-Sidi Yayah Tunis
The National Publicity Secretary of the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC), Alhaji Sidi Yayah Tunis has in a recent online interview reassured members and supporters of the APC that the party will resist and withstand any attempts by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to rig the 2028 general elections
Sidi Yayah Tunis further outlined key issues of national interest including the current debate on the preferred electoral system for the country and also the proposed creation of additional districts, adding that the APC commitments in opposition is to protect the interest of the country and the welfare of the people.
He also noted that as an opposition party and a government in waiting, the APC will not sit down and allow the ruling SLPP government to flout the laws of the country and go scot-free with it.
The APC mouthpiece further stated that this time round, things will not be the same as the previous controversial general elections, adding that if the ruling SLPP is accusing the APC of being destructive, then the APC will be destructive because the SLPP thinks that the they will sit down with folded hands and allow the SLPP to do whatever they want.
“Whatever the people of Sierra Leone do not approve, the APC will stand with them and resist any attempt by the government to manipulate the process,” Tunis asserted.
Responding to accusations that the APC does not align with the national interest, Tunis criticized President Julius Maada Bio, claiming the President only engages with opposition lawmakers when it suits his personal agenda.
“The only time President Bio invited APC Members of Parliament for dialogue was to support questionable actions, such as the controversial sacking of the Auditor General and her deputy,” he said.
Addressing allegations that the APC is behind the funding of major protests and demonstrations, Tunis rejected the claims, stating that the party is often scapegoated for citizen-led actions.
“Whenever citizens rise up to voice their concerns, the government quickly blames the APC. But during our time in government, there were regular protest staged by market women, schoolchildren, and ordinary citizens who took to the streets over issues that affected them,” he explained. “In many democratic nations, protests are organized by individuals or civil society organizations, not political parties,” he added.
