The Former APC Ministers Association (FORMINA) has called for the immediate establishment of a lawful, neutral and time-bound interim administration following the expiration of the prescribed mandate of the National Executive of the All People’s Congress (APC).
In a position statement issued in Freetown on Thursday, August 27, FORMINA expressed serious concern over the continued delay in establishing a transitional arrangement, stressing that the APC Constitution and the rule of law must remain paramount.
The association said an expired mandate should not be extended through administrative convenience or inaction. It therefore urged the party to establish an interim administration with a clear mandate to conclude outstanding party processes and facilitate the convening of a National Delegates’ Conference for the election of a new National Executive.
FORMINA said such a process would also be consistent with Section 39(5) of the PPRC Act of 2022, which stipulates that a political party shall not extend the tenure of any of its executives for more than six months.
The association further called on the APC’s Legal Advisers to urgently issue a considered legal opinion on the constitutional status of the outgoing leadership and recommend an appropriate mechanism for establishing an interim administration and completing the transition.
FORMINA also reminded the outgoing leadership of what it described as the primacy of the APC Constitution, particularly Articles 5 and 52(a) and (b), which underscore the authority of the party’s constitution and the three-year mandate of the executive.
The association warned that continued uncertainty could lead some party members to pursue legal action to safeguard the APC Constitution and its democratic integrity, a development it said could further undermine party cohesion and preparedness.
However, FORMINA said it preferred the matter to be resolved internally and responsibly, without unnecessary litigation. It specifically urged Comrade Alie Suma, APC District Chairman of Port Loko, to withdraw his legal action against the APC and the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC).
FORMINA called on all APC stakeholders to act promptly in the overriding interest of the party, stressing that the party must remain above individuals and that constitutionalism should prevail over political convenience.