…No Criminal Records Or Pending Litigations
The All Peoples Congress (APC) has, in a recent statement issued stated guardian for the vetting of presidential aspirants for the 2028 elections.
Speaking recently, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, SidiYayah Tunis, informed that the leadership of the party has set up a special Vetting Committee to scrutinize all the aspirants vying for the 2028 presidential ticket, adding that any aspirant that fails to meet the criteria and requirements will be disqualified.
According to the statement, the Vetting Committee shall be chaired by the Party Chairman or Deputy Chairman. And It shall consist of: the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, six representatives from the National Advisory Committee (NAC), (Regional/Diaspora Chairmen); one representative from the Women’s Congress; one representative from the Young Congress; one representative from the Veteran Congress; one representative from the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC); one representative from Mayors/District Council Chairs; one representative from APC District Chairs; one representative from Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Wing; the National Legal Adviser or Representative; one representative from the Council of Elders; one representative from Parliament (nominated by the Minority Leader).
The National Secretary General shall serve as Secretary to the Committee.
See full statement below:
ALL PEOPLES CONGRESS (APC)
GUIDANCE FOR VETTING PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS FOR THE 2028 ELECTIONS
PREAMBLE
In furtherance of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party’s commitment to democratic principles, party discipline, and strong national leadership—and pursuant to the APC Constitution (March 7, 2022)—this guidance document outlines the nomination criteria, vetting process, and institutional framework for evaluating and shortlisting presidential aspirants ahead of the 2028 elections.
This internal document supplements the APC Constitution, and related electoral provisions to ensure the election of the most competent, credible, and loyal aspirants who align with the APC’s core values, vision, and strategy.
I. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The vetting process aims to:
Establish and evaluate the eligibility, suitability, and readiness of presidential aspirants.
Ensure aspirants align with the Party’s national development agenda.
Identify the most credible, capable, and electable candidates for advancement to the National Delegates Conference (NDC).
II. VETTING COMMITTEE
A. Composition
A representative Vetting Committee shall be established and chaired by the Party Chairman or Deputy Chairman. It shall consist of:
National Chairman of the APC
Deputy National Chairman of the APC
Six representatives from the National Advisory Committee (NAC), (Regional/Diaspora Chairmen)
One representative from the Women’s Congress
One representative from the Young Congress
One representative from the Veteran Congress
One representative from the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC)
One representative from Mayors/District Council Chairs
One representative from APC District Chairs
One representative from Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Wing
The National Legal Adviser or Representative
One representative from the Council of Elders
One representative from Parliament (nominated by the Minority Leader)
The National Secretary General shall serve as Secretary to the Committee
B. Time and Place
The vetting shall be conducted at the APC National Headquarters in Freetown between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on scheduled dates announced by the Secretary General.
C. Communication and Appeals
The Committee shall formally communicate decisions to each aspirant and copy the Secretary General.
An aspirant dissatisfied with the outcome may appeal in writing to the Independent Elections Complaint Board (IECB) within three (3) days.
The IECB shall resolve the appeal within seven (7) days of receipt.
III. THE VETTING PROCESS
PHASE 1: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST & PRELIMINARY SCREENING
- Application Requirements
Letter of Intent
Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Biography
Certified academic and professional certificates
National identity and proof of citizenship
Evidence of APC party membership and history of contribution - Basic Eligibility
Minimum of five (5) consecutive years of active APC membership
No political defection in the past 5 years
Age, legal, and citizenship criteria met (per Constitution)
No criminal convictions or pending litigation
Compliance with electoral laws and party constitution
PHASE 2: BACKGROUND CHECKS AND VERIFICATION - Legal and Ethical Vetting
Police Clearance Certificate
History of tax compliance
Financial impropriety or corruption records
Media scan for public reputation - Public Record and Governance Review
Review of public service or political performance
Demonstrated relationships and leadership at grassroots and national levels - Financial Transparency
Proof of financial capability to sustain a national campaign
Proof of declared assets within Sierra Leone
Signed Campaign Financing Declaration - Academic and Professional Validation
Verification of submitted degrees and certificates - Integrity and Public Perception Check
Review of online/social media behavior
Stakeholder interviews and community assessments
PHASE 3: COMPETENCY AND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT - Leadership Interview
Presentation of national vision and political ideology
Understanding of domestic and global policy issues
Demonstrated decision-making and crisis management ability - Political Viability and Strategy
National appeal and electability
Fundraising and resource mobilization potential
Ability to build coalitions and national presence - Party Loyalty and Integration Capacity
Consistent service to the APC
Demonstrated alignment with party values and manifesto
Capacity to unite diverse party factions
IV. NOMINATION APPLICATION CRITERIA (REINFORCED)
Educational Qualification
Must hold at least a recognized university degree. Postgraduate education is an advantage.
Political Experience
Minimum of five (5) cumulative years in national governance or political leadership.
Party Leadership Service
Service in senior APC roles including NAC, MP, Ministerial positions, or Regional leadership.
Declaration of Integrity
All applicants must sign a Declaration affirming truthfulness and willingness to abide by APC rules.
Endorsements
A minimum of 20 qualified party delegates from at least 5 regions must endorse the application.
V. SCORING AND RECOMMENDATION
Aspirants will be scored across six categories:
CriteriaWeight (%)Loyalty & Party Service20%Leadership & Governance Experience20%Educational & Intellectual Merit15%Legal & Ethical Record15%Political Vision & Strategy15%Financial Standing & Transparency15%
Minimum Passing Score: 70% overall with no category below 50%.
VI. FINAL NOMINATION AND COMPLIANCE
The Vetting Panel submits its report to the National Advisory Committee (NAC).
NAC finalizes and forwards selected aspirants to the National Delegates Conference for election.
Any misrepresentation or falsification leads to automatic disqualification and further disciplinary action.
VII. CONCLUSION
This vetting guidance serves to ensure that the APC presents a presidential aspirant of high competence, character, and electability. All aspirants must respect the process as binding and commit to upholding the dignity, unity, and goals of the Party.
