15th May, 2025
By Oswald Mensah -Coker
Ah, JmagonstoriesSLNewsblog, Sierra Leone’s unofficial comedy central where fiction dresses up as analysis and satire tries (and fails) to pass for strategy. But we get it, the pressure is getting worse. Dr Ibrahim Bangura’s campaign is so organised, so clean, so shockingly mature that it’s turning old fashioned politicians into TikTok philosophers and WhatsApp warlords.
Let’s get one thing straight, if you’re busy paying SLPP social media mercenaries to make nonsensical videos about Dr Ibrahim Bangura, your APC Comrade, instead of selling your own dead -on -arrival ambitions, maybe, just maybe, you’ve finally realised that your campaign needs resuscitation.
The idea of pandering to SLPP social media thugs itself is enough reason why the APC must not tolerate insensitive and unstrategic politicians like your type loitering around as flag bearer aspirant. Here’s a helpful tip, focus on your own messaging, gain some traction, maybe gather a proper following, and if you’re lucky, when Dr Bangura decisively defeats you and mops you on the floor at the convention, he might still find some value in assigning you a role in his campaign. But, and this is a big but, he’s a stickler for competence. So, try hard. Really hard to earn that consideration.
Now, to the main gist of the TikTok tantrum, the laughable attempt to paint Dr Ibrahim Bangura as some remote controlled puppet of former President Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK). Please. Spare us the bedtime stories. Dr Bangura is not anyone’s errand boy. But let’s not also pretend that having EBK’s goodwill is a crime. On the contrary, it’s the political jackpot every single APC aspirant is secretly praying for, and in some cases, not so secretly.
Let’s not kid ourselves. There is not a single APC flag bearer aspirant, not one, who hasn’t reached out to EBK, sent emissaries, whispered sweet nothings, or offered solemn political sacrifices hoping to win his favour. Some are even dusting off and consulting family oracles, hoping their ancestors can swing EBK’s blessing their way. The hypocrisy is comical. The same people doing spiritual gymnastics to win EBK’s support are the ones crying crocodile tears that his backing of Ibrahim would be some sort of third term. That’s not just dishonest, it’s Olympic level duplicity.
But here’s the rub, EBK doesn’t want to be in charge. And he’s said so, publicly and privately. That infamous leaked audio? If you listened closely, you’d know he was practically begging to be left alone. He said he doesn’t even have the energy anymore. And let’s not forget, if EBK wanted a third term, he could’ve taken it when he was still widely popular. The misguided few, that chorus of sycophants, who flirted with the idea, were never sanctioned by EBK. Let’s stop flogging a dead horse.
And Dr Ibrahim Bangura? He’s not riding on EBK’s back, he’s standing on his own record and yes, just like everyone else, he’ll will be pleased to get EBK’s endorsement.
The reality however, is that as a seasoned peace and security expert, an academic heavyweight, a proven organiser, his campaign is a masterclass in planning and unity. It’s no coincidence that the APC grassroots and key stakeholders are gravitating towards him. They’re not following vibes, they’re following substance.
Unlike the others, with confusion masquerading as strategy, Ibrahim’s campaign is ordered, inclusive and issue driven. It’s everything APC needs to transition from the shadows of its past into a brighter future.
Let’s not mince words, APC needs to break away from toxic politics and political shape shifters. We’ve had enough of whispering liars and two faced actors. We need a fresh, untainted unifying leadership rooted in principle, not performance.
So to the TikTok tacticians, keep the content coming. We’ll keep the facts coming harder. Just remember, while you’re busy creating content about Ibrahim, he’s creating momentum, building coalitions, and preparing to lead. And if you want a job on his team, better upgrade your CV, polish your honesty, and drop the gimmicks.
Because this train is moving, and it’s not stopping for clowns.
Vote Marah, Save SLAJ