By Oswald Mensah Coker
For years, APC’s membership registration remained a quiet flaw, barely acknowledged despite the glaring mismatch between registered members and actual voters. But last year, an ambitious effort to rectify this discrepancy ignited optimism—until whispers of manipulation emerged, shaking the party’s foundation. Now, as allegations swirl against key officials, the credibility of the process and the integrity of upcoming elections hang in the balance.
Membership registration in an organization is a fundamental process that should not be fraught with challenges. Whether for political parties, professional associations, or community groups, registration serves as a gateway to participation. Becoming a registered member of an organization allows individuals to formalize their commitment and gain access to privileges.
In relation to our party, the APC, the party had maintained a register of members that was far lower than its actual strength, as evidenced by the number of valid votes cast in its favour during elections.
This is why the current executive’s initiative, sometime last year, to embark on a membership registration and verification exercise was a welcomed news to many who vote for the party because they yearn to be registered members and not just voters.
Many believed that the party was not oblivious to the fact that membership registration was not just essential to sustain the party but to ensure that the registered members on the membership register reflect the votes the party receives in elections.
Consequently, in their desire to enhance their engagement and reinforce the party’s numerical strength and credibility, many had envisioned that a well-structured membership drive would foster a sense of belonging among those who vote for the party during elections and would encourage their active participation and loyalty.
Recognizing that the registered members of the party are its lifeblood, the current executive should have coordinated the registration process smoothly to ensure that no individual who shares the party’s vision and objectives is left out.
Denying these individuals the opportunity to become registered members is a significant disservice. It can be seen as a deliberate attempt to limit not only the expansion of the party’s influence but also its financial and operational support, as well as a network of advocates essential for its success.
Therefore, the growing concerns over alleged fraudulent activities involving senior officials in the ongoing membership registration and verification exercise are a cause for alarm.
Key party figures—including Bai Mamoud Bangura, Alie Suma, Chairman Keitta, Alie General, Borbor Luck, and ABS—have been implicated in efforts to manipulate the registration process.
Among the most troubling allegations is Bai Mamoud Bangura’s reported recruitment of district election officials without transparent oversight. Sources indicate he has handpicked five personnel per district, allegedly favouring individuals loyal to his faction, raising fears of biased outcomes in the upcoming Lower-Level Elections scheduled for August 2025.
These actions threaten the integrity of the party’s electoral processes and the party’s unity. If left unchallenged, they could undermine trust within party structures and damage the credibility of internal elections.
These concerns are not just coming from the supporters of the different flagbearer contestants. They chatacterize the wailings of those who vote for the party but have been denied the opportunity to either verify or register their membership.
Party executives, stakeholders, and grassroots members must demand accountability to uphold transparency in the membership register and to safeguard democratic principles within the APC.
It is on this note that I call on the current party chairman, Minkailu Mansaray, whose commitment to ensuring a level playing field, I do trust, to institute an independent investigation into these allegations before the lower-level elections commence.
Vote Marah, Save SLAJ