By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — February 11, 2026: The All Peoples Congress (APC) has formally contested responsibility for statements attributed to entertainer and activist Zainab Sheriff, following an administrative fine imposed by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).
In a letter addressed to the PPRC Chairman, APC clarified that Ms. Sheriff’s remarks were made in her personal capacity and not under the authority or mandate of the party. The correspondence emphasized that Ms. Sheriff herself has publicly accepted full individual responsibility for her comments and even warned that she would pursue legal action against the APC if the party attempted to pay the fine on her behalf.
APC argued that holding the party accountable for personal expressions made independently by individuals who are not authorized spokespersons would set a dangerous precedent. The party insisted that it bears no institutional liability for Ms. Sheriff’s statements.
The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) imposed fines on the All Peoples Congress (APC) following its “Mammoth Meeting” held at the Atouga Mini Stadium in Freetown on January 31, 2026. The sanctions were issued under Section 39 (1) of the Political Parties Act, 2022 (Act No. 25 of 2022).
Fine Details:
- Lansana Dumbuya (APC National Secretary General)
- Fine: NLe 200,000
- Reason: Violation of Section 39 (1)(c) of the Political Parties Act, relating to profane or inciting statements made during the rally.
- Zainab Sheriff (APC affiliate)
- Fine: NLe 150,000
- Reason: Violation of Section 39 (1)(d) of the Act, linked to provocative remarks at the same event.
Total Fine on APC: NLe 350,000 (combined penalties).
The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), however, has maintained that the APC’s correspondence challenging liability was submitted after the stipulated deadline. As a result, the Commission has indicated that the fine remains valid and enforceable.
The PPRC’s administrative fines are part of its broader mandate to ensure responsible political engagement and to regulate the conduct of parties and their affiliates. In this case, the Commission ruled that the remarks attributed to Ms. Sheriff fell within its regulatory scope, prompting the sanction.
The party denies liability, stressing that Ms. Sheriff acted independently and outside party authority.
She has publicly accepted personal responsibility and rejected any attempt to link her remarks to the APC.
The Commission insists the fine stands, citing late correspondence from APC and its regulatory powers over political actors.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and the PPRC over the scope of regulatory authority and accountability for statements made by affiliates or supporters. While APC has pledged continued cooperation with the Commission, it remains firm that the fine should be borne solely by Ms. Sheriff.