By Oswald Mensah Coker
As we commemorate sixty-four years of independence and self-rule, our nation’s history is a tapestry of triumphs and trials. Within the All People’s Congress (APC), a parallel narrative unfolds. It is a convergence of profiles in the race for the 2028 flagbearer position.
A diverse group of candidates has entered this race, including former ministers, businessmen, a former and current parliamentarian, and other notable figures.
Among them is Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, a dedicated advocate for peace and unity within the APC, who has consistently worked to cultivate a nation grounded in integrity, knowledge, and innovation.
Unlike many of his rivals, whose political backgrounds are tainted by controversy, Dr. Bangura’s record is exemplary.
While some candidates can be likened to weevils (small, destructive forces hollowing out the very essence of the APC), Dr. Bangura represents the values and principles upon which our party was built.
As the APC prepares for its national delegates’ conference, beginning with lower-level elections, it is crucial to identify and reject these detrimental forces.
Delegates must recognize that this election is not merely about electing a presidential candidate; it is an opportunity to also elect a national leader capable of guiding both the APC and Sierra Leone through these challenging times.
Prospective delegates must understand that this leadership mandate is not for sale and cannot be sacrificed for personal gain.
Contenders whose campaign rhetoric reveals a transactional approach to politics or entanglement with the ruling SLPP must be firmly rejected.
Over time, these “weevils” have deliberately strayed from the APC’s philosophy of constructive nationalism, driven by their propensity for malfeasance, negligence, and discord.
Their individual actions mirror the decay that has plagued Sierra Leone since its independence in 1961.
These candidates threaten to compromise the party’s ideals by perpetuating the same transactional politics and misinformation that have hindered national progress.
In stark contrast, Dr. Bangura embodies a vision of leadership grounded in education, empathy, and empowerment as the keys to national development. Long before “human capital development” became a buzzword of the current SLPP government, he championed it as a cornerstone of national progress.
His work cultivates critical thinking, civic responsibility, and inclusivity. These are qualities essential for uniting and advancing both the party and the nation.
Even the younger candidates, who tout their appeal among women and youth, fall short of matching his calibre.
Dr. Bangura’s ability to connect with individuals across all demographics sets him apart. His expertise in fostering inclusivity and mediating differences is invaluable in a time of division and animosity. His career in peacebuilding, gender equality, youth engagement, and post-war transitions underscores his commitment to equity and social justice.
His advocacy for the underprivileged reflects a deep commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and uplifting marginalized communities.
Unlike those candidates who may have served in parliament at home and abroad, Dr. Bangura’s contributions extend beyond rhetoric to tangible achievements. These include advising the European Union as a Result-Oriented Monitoring (ROM) expert for EU-funded projects and programs in Africa, as well as shaping ECOWAS’s Women, Peace, and Security Guidelines.
Consequently, his international reputation and experience are unparalleled. Having served as policy advisor to the AU, monitored over 100 EU-funded projects across 30 African countries and contributed to transformative frameworks for ECOWAS, Dr. Bangura has demonstrated his capacity for creating lasting change.
Leadership is about creating a future where every citizen can thrive. Dr. Bangura’s holistic approach—combining intellect, empathy, and actionable vision—alongside his expertise in policy formulation, advisory roles, and project management, positions him as the ideal candidate for the APC and the nation.
Delegates must take this responsibility seriously. The 2028 flagbearer and national leader of the APC is not a bounty for the highest bidder but a call to the highest national service.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s mission to Heal, Unite, and Build offers a pathway to a cohesive, resilient, and prosperous Sierra Leone.
As we reflect on our independence, I urge party members voting in the lower-level elections to elect delegates who will truly represent the party and our nation’s aspirations by choosing Dr. Ibrahim Bangura as the next national leader of the APC and its 2028 presidential candidate.
64 Years of Deception