By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — November 18, 2025: The All People’s Congress (APC) has formally challenged a NLe120,000 fine imposed by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), arguing that the sanction was unfairly levied without proper evidence or due process.
The fine was issued after the PPRC accused APC’s Falaba District Chairman, Hon. Lahai Marah, of making “incendiary and inciting” remarks in violation of the Political Parties Act of 2022.
APC Rejects Allegations
In a letter addressed to the Commission on Tuesday, APC Secretary General, lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, said the party had not received any verified proof that Marah committed an offence. He stressed that no allegation should be accepted unless facts are proven and materials authenticated.
The APC warned of the growing use of fake audio recordings, edited conversations, and manipulated social media posts to create confusion and tension, urging the PPRC to exercise caution before taking regulatory action.
The party also accused the Commission of double standards, claiming senior members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) have made far more alarming statements without facing similar sanctions. “An umpire must not be seen to lean toward any political actor,” Dumbuya wrote, adding that the Commission’s legitimacy depends on fairness and neutrality.
The APC has requested full, unedited, and verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations against Marah, insisting that no fine or sanction should be enforced until the party has had the opportunity to respond. Dumbuya reaffirmed APC’s commitment to a joint peace agreement signed on November 11, 2025, but stressed that all political actors must be held to the same standards.
Marah’s Brief Detention
The controversy deepened on November 17 when Hon. Marah was briefly detained by police at a checkpoint near Kabala while en route to Makeni. He was taken into custody by the Local Unit Commander of Mongo Division, accompanied by four armed officers, and held for nearly five hours before being released without charge.
“Through the intervention of the APC Party Leadership and Hon. Chericoco, I was released unconditionally… Praise Allah am alive,” Marah said in a statement following his release.
Marah, a former Member of Parliament for Constituency 042, stepped down after the April 2023 elections to focus on his role as APC District Chairman. His detention has drawn attention from party members and political observers, underscoring heightened tensions in Falaba District.
SLPP Condemnation
The incident follows remarks allegedly made by Marah during a tripartite engagement at the Falaba District Council Hall. On November 15, SLPP District Chairman Yayah Wan issued a strongly worded statement condemning Marah’s comments as “reckless, inflammatory, and undemocratic.”
Wan accused Marah of threatening to “resist the police and army” during the 2028 elections and claiming to have “prepared machineries” for that contest. “These statements are not only irresponsible — they are dangerous,” Wan said, warning that they posed a direct threat to peace and stability.
He reaffirmed SLPP’s commitment to democratic values, stressing that elections “are won through votes, not violence; through ideas, not intimidation.” Wan urged security agencies to take note of the alleged threats and called on all political leaders to respect the peace process.
Rising Political Tensions
Marah’s detention and the SLPP’s condemnation highlight the fragile political climate in Falaba District. With the 2028 elections on the horizon, both parties face mounting pressure to demonstrate restraint and uphold democratic principles.
Observers say the episode underscores the urgent need for dialogue and even-handed regulation as Sierra Leone continues to consolidate peace and democratic governance.