APC Dismantle Forgery Wing
In a bold and revealing press conference held at the All People’s Congress (APC) headquarters on Old Railway Line in Freetown, Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya laid bare what he described as a “deliberate and fraudulent attempt” to sabotage the party’s newly introduced digital membership registration system. The revelations pointed to a covert operation involving the production and circulation of counterfeit APC membership ID cards — a move Dumbuya said was orchestrated to bypass the party’s secure verification process.
Addressing a hall packed with journalists, party loyalists, and observers, Dumbuya explained that while the APC has maintained a membership database for several years, it was historically susceptible to manipulation and lacked the digital safeguards necessary for modern political engagement. He highlighted that the new registration system, rolled out in late 2024, was designed to close those loopholes through the integration of sophisticated digital features, including secure ID cards embedded with QR codes and a multi-layered cloud-based verification mechanism.
“This system represents a new era for the APC,” Dumbuya asserted. “It is tamper-proof, real-time, and resistant to duplication. Anyone seeking to undermine it is not just defrauding the party, but attacking the integrity of democratic processes within our organization.”
Discovery of the Fraud
According to Dumbuya, the forgery scheme was uncovered when APC’s IT department received a tip-off about suspicious activities at a print shop located on Brook Street in central Freetown. Acting on the information, a team from the party’s tech unit visited the location and caught an individual in the act of printing what appeared to be an old-style APC membership card.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Several counterfeit cards had reportedly been printed and circulated with the aim of impersonating legitimate party members. The motive behind at least one of these acts was to use the forged card as supporting documentation for an asylum application abroad.
“Let me be very clear,” Dumbuya said. “These old cards are invalid. Many were duplicated in the past, and some were even sold. That era is over. Today, only the digitally verified IDs can grant access to APC party rights and privileges.”
Robust Security Measures
Dumbuya proudly announced that the APC’s digital membership system has already blocked over 18 million hacking attempts, thanks to its integration with a centralized and redundant database that cross-verifies all credentials. This, he said, ensures that any attempt to create fake identities or manipulate registration records is swiftly detected and neutralized.
He warned that forging or presenting falsified documents constitutes not only a breach of party regulations but also a criminal offense. The APC, he stated, will work closely with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
A Call for Accountability and Vigilance
In a strong message to both party faithful and the general public, Dumbuya called for heightened vigilance and accountability. He urged all members to verify their registration status through the official party portal or by visiting authorized verification centers. He also issued a stern warning: anyone found engaging in the manufacture, distribution, or use of fake party documents will face severe consequences.
“This is not just about the APC,” he emphasized. “This is about building a credible political culture in Sierra Leone, one based on trust, transparency, and the rule of law.”
He further appealed to the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) to take note of the situation and enforce measures that prevent unregistered or illegitimate persons from participating in political party activities, especially as the country inches closer to key electoral events.
Commitment to Reform and Digital Innovation
Concluding his remarks, the Secretary-General reiterated the APC’s commitment to internal reform, digital innovation, and a fair political environment. He described the exposure of the forgery ring as a victory for the party’s renewed commitment to integrity and modernization.
“We are charting a new path, and there will be no turning back. The APC of the past is not the APC of the future,” Dumbuya declared to resounding applause.
As the party moves forward, it is clear that the APC is positioning itself as a more transparent, technologically adept, and accountable institution — one that is not only prepared to contest elections but also to lead by example in institutional reform and digital governance.
