The leading flagbearer aspirant of Sierra Leone’s main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has backed calls by his party for the constitutional amendment process to be suspended pending judicial consideration of the legal questions surrounding the bill.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dr. Bangura said further action on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, should await clarification from the Supreme Court.
His position follows the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Section 94(2) of the Constitution for an advisory opinion.
Dr. Bangura said the court’s interpretation would provide “much-needed clarity” on the constitutional requirements for amending Sierra Leone’s supreme law.
He called on President Julius Maada Bio to withhold assent to the bill while the country awaits the Supreme Court’s interpretation and determination of the constitutional questions that have arisen.
Dr. Bangura also urged the government to engage the APC, other political stakeholders, civil society organisations, legal experts and other national actors in broad consultations on the proposed constitutional changes.
He said such engagement could help build the widest possible consensus and strengthen public confidence in the reform process.
“Amendments to our supreme law are not ordinary legislative acts,” Dr. Bangura said, arguing that changes to the Constitution could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s system of governance and future generations.
He urged APC members and supporters to remain united, calm and disciplined, while advocating for what he described as lawful and constructive engagement.
“Our party is greater than any individual, and the future of Sierra Leone is greater than any political party,” he said.
Dr. Bangura said constitutional reform should not be treated as an opportunity for political advantage, but as a national responsibility requiring deliberation, inclusion and adherence to constitutional principles.
He further called for any eventual constitutional changes to reflect broad national confidence and serve Sierra Leone’s long-term interests.
