APC Suspended After Refusing to Pay NLe 350,000 Fine Imposed by PPRC
By: Osman Marah
The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has suspended the All People’s Congress (APC) after the party failed to pay a NLe 350,000 fine imposed over comments made by two of its members.
The suspension took effect at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, according to the Commission.
The fine stems from statements made by APC member Zainab Sheriff and the party’s National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., which the PPRC determined violated provisions governing political conduct.
In a formal response to the PPRC Chairman, the APC leadership rejected responsibility for the penalty, arguing that the alleged infractions were committed by individuals acting in their personal capacities and not on behalf of the party as an institution. The party declined to settle the fine within the stipulated deadline.
In an unusual development, Zainab Sheriff has publicly supported the party’s position, stating that she accepts full personal responsibility for her remarks. She has reportedly warned that she would take legal action against the APC if it attempts to pay the fine on her behalf.
With the suspension now in force, the APC is barred from conducting official party meetings, participating in national political dialogues, and engaging in any regulated political activities until the fine is paid, either by the party or by the individuals concerned.
The decision has triggered debate among political stakeholders and legal analysts over whether a political party should be held financially accountable for statements made by its officials or members, particularly where such statements are deemed to fall outside formally sanctioned party communication.
The PPRC has not indicated whether additional sanctions could follow if the fine remains unpaid.
The APC has yet to announce its next course of action.
