Reward-Centered, Responsibility-Centered, and Fun-Centered Leadership
As Sierra Leone’s political climate begins to heat up in anticipation of the 2028 elections, the All People’s Congress (APC) party finds itself at a critical crossroads. A plethora of flag bearer aspirants are emerging by the dozen every day, each vying to lead the party into a contest that could redefine both the party and Sierra Leone’s future. The motivations driving these contestants reveal a spectrum of reward-centered, responsibility-centered, and fun-centered leadership styles that reflect the broader dynamics of leadership within the party and the nation.
Reward-Centered Leadership: The Quest for Power and Prestige
Within the APC, some aspirants are clearly motivated by the rewards that come with political leadership. These individuals view the flag bearer position not as a platform for national service but as a stepping stone to wealth, power, and influence. These reward-centred leaders often go around promising grand changes during their campaigns, but their actions betray a deeper focus on personal gain.
The hallmarks of reward-centered motives are visible in the lavish spending that has characterized the campaigns of some of these contestants. From handing out cash and material goods to flooding social media with paid endorsements and importing or shuttling cheerleaders from one town to another, their strategies prioritize visibility and influence over substantive policies. For many Sierra Leoneans, this approach is all too familiar. “They give us rice and money during campaigns,” says one disillusioned voter, “but once they’re in power, we never see them again.”
Reward-centered leadership within the APC is not without its consequences. It exacerbates internal divisions, as aspirants focus on building personal loyalties rather than uniting the party. Moreover, it undermines the party’s credibility among voters who are increasingly frustrated with leadership that prioritizes self-enrichment over public service. For the APC to reclaim its legacy as a party of progress, it must confront this culture of reward-centered politics.
Responsibility-Centered Leadership: A Vision for Service
In stark contrast to the reward-centered aspirants are those motivated by responsibility-centered leadership. These individuals see the flag bearer position as a solemn duty to serve the APC and Sierra Leone. They are driven by a vision for unity, institutional reform, and sustainable development, and they understand the challenges facing both the party and the nation.
Responsibility-centered leaders within the APC have often been vocal about the need to rebuild trust among the party’s supporters. They emphasize inclusive governance, ensuring that all regions and demographics within Sierra Leone feel represented. Their campaigns focus on addressing systemic issues such as corruption, unemployment, and education reform.
For example, responsibility-centered aspirants are more likely to prioritize grassroots engagement, spending time in rural communities, and risking their lives going to those remote villages to understand the concerns of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. They advocate for strengthening internal party structures to ensure transparency and accountability. “We need leaders who will build the APC into a party that serves the people, not just the elite,” says a young party supporter. This approach resonates with a growing segment of the electorate that is tired of politics as usual.
Fun-Centered Leadership: The Quest for Popularity
The third category of leadership motive within the APC is fun-centered leadership. These aspirants thrive on the excitement of campaigning and the adoration of crowds. Their campaigns are often characterized by high-energy rallies, catchy slogans, and a focus on personality over policy. While their charisma can attract a large following, their lack of substantive plans raises questions about their ability to govern effectively.
Fun-centered leaders often rely on their natural charm to connect with supporters. They use humour, loud music, and theatrics to create a sense of camaraderie and optimism. However, their campaigns are often short on specifics, leaving voters wondering how they plan to address the country’s pressing challenges.
These fun-centered aspirants are very dangerous for the APC. The party risks reducing the flag bearer race to a popularity contest rather than a serious evaluation of competence and vision. “We’ve seen leaders like this before,” says a seasoned APC supporter. “They’re great during campaigns, but when it’s time to lead, they fall short.”
The Stakes are High for the APC Party
The abundance of flag-bearer aspirants reflects both the APC’s internal vibrancy and its challenges. On one hand, the diversity of candidates underscores the party’s resilience and ability to attract leadership talent. On the other hand, it exposes deep divisions within the party and raises concerns about its ability to present a united front in the 2028 elections.
The motivations of these aspirants will play a crucial role in shaping the APC’s future. Reward-centered leaders and flag-bearer aspirants risk perpetuating the cycles of corruption and inefficiency that have hindered Sierra Leone’s progress. The Fun-centered flag-bearer aspirants may energize the party in the short term but lack the depth required to navigate the complexities of governance. The Responsibility-centered leaders and flag-bearer aspirants, however, offer a path to redemption and renewal, focusing on unity, accountability, and sustainable development.
A Call for Reflection and Accountability
As the flag-bearer aspirants contest gets crowded by the day, and as the APC slowly moves forward to prepare to select its flag-bearer in 2026, the party faces a defining moment. The choice is not just about who will lead the APC into the 2028 elections but about the kind of leadership the party—and Sierra Leone—needs. Will the APC prioritize leaders who seek personal rewards, those who thrive on popularity, or those who are willing to shoulder the heavy burden of responsibility?
For party delegates and supporters, the responsibility is clear. You must look beyond charisma and short-term gains. You must demand accountability and a vision from these candidates. The APC’s ability to reclaim its position as a force for positive change depends on its willingness to embrace responsibility-centered leadership.
The Future of Leadership in Sierra Leone
The leadership motives within the APC mirror the broader challenges facing Sierra Leone’s political landscape. As the nation grapples with economic hardships, social divisions, and governance deficits, the need for visionary and principled leadership has never been greater. The decisions made in the APC’s flag bearer race will not only shape the party’s future but also set the tone for Sierra Leone’s political direction in the years to come. The people of Sierra Leone deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare, embrace accountability, and are committed to building a brighter future. For the APC, this moment offers a chance to rise above past shortcomings and present a leader who embodies the values of service, integrity, and unity. The road to 2028 begins now, and the choices made today will define the destiny of both the party and the nation.
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