– Predicts APC Al-Sankoh Conteh
As Sierra Leone steadily marches towards the 2028 general elections, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly charged, with opposition voices growing louder and more confident. One of such voices is Al-Sankoh Conteh, a prominent supporter of the All People’s Congress (APC), who believes that the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is heading for a historic defeat without even forcing a run-off.
According to Conteh, the APC’s confidence is rooted not in propaganda, but in the harsh realities facing ordinary Sierra Leoneans across the country. He argues that under the current SLPP administration, hardship has become the daily experience of the masses, while hope for a better future continues to fade.
Hardship and Rising Cost of Living
Conteh points to the unbearable cost of living as one of the strongest weapons in APC’s campaign arsenal. From Freetown to the provinces, prices of basic commodities such as rice, fuel, transportation and housing have skyrocketed beyond the reach of the average citizen. Salaries remain stagnant, while inflation continues to erode purchasing power.
“People are tired of suffering,” Conteh said. “Families cannot feed properly, students are dropping out of school, and small businesses are collapsing. This level of hardship is unprecedented and voters will express their anger at the ballot box.”
Corruption and Poor Governance
Another key factor, according to Conteh, is the perception of widespread corruption within the SLPP government. He claims that despite strong anti-corruption rhetoric, several scandals have emerged, involving public funds, donor money and questionable contracts.
Conteh argues that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been selective in its operations, often targeting political opponents while allegedly protecting those close to the ruling elite. This, he says, has weakened public trust in governance and institutions.
“Sierra Leoneans expected change, but what they see is the same old politics – corruption, nepotism and lack of accountability,” he noted.
Unemployment and Youth Frustration
Unemployment, especially among young people, remains one of the most explosive political issues. Conteh stressed that thousands of graduates roam the streets without jobs, while many skilled youths resort to bike riding, petty trading or migration in search of greener pastures.
He believes this growing frustration among the youth will work massively in favour of the APC, as young voters are more likely to demand leadership that prioritizes job creation, skills development and economic empowerment.
“You cannot win elections when the youth have no future,” Conteh said. “This government has failed to provide opportunities, and the youth will punish them at the polls.”
Poor Infrastructure
Conteh also criticized the state of infrastructure, particularly roads linking major towns and rural communities. He claims that many roads are either abandoned, poorly constructed or left in deplorable conditions, affecting trade, agriculture and access to social services.
In rural areas, farmers struggle to transport produce to markets, while in urban centres, traffic congestion and road damage continue to worsen. For Conteh, this is further proof of failed to Defeat SLPP.
