Amid its suspension by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), the All People’s Congress (APC) has formally distanced itself from public statements attributed to party member Zainab Sheriff, as controversy deepens over administrative fines imposed by the Commission.
According to the PPRC, the party was fined a total of NLe 350,000 in relation to statements linked to APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya and party member Zainab Sheriff.
In a letter addressed to the PPRC Chairman, APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, Esq., stated that the remarks attributed to Sheriff were not made on behalf of the party and were issued without its authority, instruction, or mandate.
According to the correspondence, Ms. Sheriff has “publicly and unequivocally” acknowledged that her statements were made in her personal capacity and that she accepts full individual responsibility.
The party further noted that Sheriff expressly indicated she does not expect the APC to assume liability and would pursue legal action against the party should it make any payment in relation to her statements.
The APC argued that it bears no institutional responsibility for personal expressions made independently by individuals who are not authorized spokespersons or representatives of the party.
The letter warned that attributing such personal remarks to the entire political organization would create a troubling precedent, where any individual’s views could be deemed official party positions.
“Without prejudice to the authority of the Commission, we therefore respectfully request that any enforcement action or financial obligation arising from the matter be directed to the individual concerned,” the party stated.
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with the Commission and upholding responsible political engagement and lawful conduct.
The development comes as the PPRC maintains the party’s suspension for failure to comply with payment of the imposed fines, pending full settlement and written clearance restoring its operational status.
