…All Aspirants Are My Brothers &Sisters, Soon They Will Join Me
- Says Dr. Ibrahim Bangura
By Saidu Dumbuya
Flagbearer aspirant of the main opposition party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, has assured thousands of party members and supporters that the APC will win the 2028 presidential election. He made this declaration during the official launch of the Friends of Dr. Ibrahim Bangura movement, held on April 19, 2025, at the Fourah Bay Community Field.
The movement, Friends of Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, is aimed at mobilizing and galvanizing grassroots support for his flagbearer ambition. The event drew a massive crowd, including traditional leaders from the Western Area Urban, APC party stalwarts, former Members of Parliament, media representatives, and enthusiastic community members.
In his opening remarks, veteran Chairman of Constituency 122, Alhaji N. Kamara, expressed confidence in Dr. Bangura’s candidacy, invoking divine blessings. “I welcome everyone who graces this occasion. Insha’Allah, he will be our next president,” he declared.
Delivering the keynote address amidst thunderous applause, Dr. Bangura spoke passionately about his roots, unwavering loyalty to the APC, and his vision for a united Sierra Leone.
“Today is a blessing. It shows that the grace of Allah is with us,” he began, reflecting on his early years in Fourah Bay—a community that first embraced his political aspirations. He praised Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone (USL), for its historic contributions to national leadership.
Dr. Bangura emphasized his lifelong bond with the APC. “I didn’t join the APC; I was born into it. My father served the APC all his life. It is in my DNA,” he stated. He recalled founding The Rising Sun, Children of the APC at age 15 and his contributions to rebuilding the party following its 1992 setback.
He also recounted his role in mediating between the APC leadership and the National Reformation Movement (NRM), choosing unity over personal ambition. “I believe in solving problems, not fueling them,” he affirmed.
Touching on national issues, Dr. Bangura emphasized the importance of unity, youth empowerment, and economic transformation. “We must heal, unite, and build,” he declared, pledging to tackle youth alienation, drug addiction, and systemic inequality.
“I don’t want my daughter to grow up in a country where her surname or tribe determines her worth,” he stated, promising a government that promotes inclusivity, economic opportunity, and justice. He also pledged to eradicate conditions that force women to ride motorbikes to give birth or suffer harassment from micro-credit institutions.
Dr. Bangura urged APC members and supporters to embody humility and respect. “If you insult someone because of me, then you are not a true supporter,” he said, adding in local parlance, “Nor cuss for me, nor fet for me”—do not insult or fight for me. “All aspirants are my brothers and sisters. Soon, they will join me. There is only one APC. Let’s work together with love and purpose,” he appealed.
He concluded with a confident assurance ahead of the party’s national convention: “In January 2026, we will win the convention.”
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Nuredeen Sankoh, thanked the Fourah Bay Community for what he described as a massive turnout. “Seeing this mammoth crowd, I can only imagine what the official campaign launch will look like,” the former MP remarked. He also commended the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for their professionalism in ensuring a peaceful event.
Chairman Ibrahim Sesay echoed similar sentiments. “With a crowd like this, I believe Dr. Bangura will win the presidency come 2028,” he declared.
Meanwhile, senior APC scribe Abu Bakarr Daramy criticized the current administration, citing inflation and economic hardship as key reasons for a leadership change. “Only the APC can govern this country to the satisfaction of the people,” he said, emphasizing the importance of vote protection and citizen vigilance.
Constituency Chairman Abu Kanu called for peace and civility within the party. “Let us peacefully canvass others to join the Dr. Bangura camp without abuse or conflict,” he urged, while also encouraging party members to participate in the national civil registration to ensure electoral transparency.
Adding a vibrant touch to the event, cultural and traditional displays highlighted the community’s strong support for the APC hopeful.
