By Umaru Jah – Germany
In my previous piece, I focused on the internal state of the APC, the leadership style Dr. Ibrahim Bangura brings, and why his calm but firm approach is winning the confidence of many. Having already examined his appeal across different segments of the party and his disciplined message of unity, this final part shifts attention to the deeper substance of his national outlook, his readiness, and the factors delegates must weigh carefully as they prepare for the 2026 flagbearer convention.
Delegates preparing for the 2026 APC flagbearer convention must consider several important factors. First, who is best prepared to bring together the different wings of the party? Second, who has the credibility to speak honestly to ordinary Sierra Leoneans about their struggles without making empty promises? Third, who can genuinely rebuild the APC’s image and lead it to a meaningful national victory in 2028?
Even with a significant international profile, Dr. Bangura has maintained strong ties to home. His contributions to policy development, justice reform, and governance have long been built on steady, consistent engagement. Those who have worked with him describe a steady hand and a mind committed to solving problems. For a country still facing uncertainty, this kind of leadership experience is invaluable.
He is as comfortable sitting with traditional leaders in rural districts as he is presenting technical reports at multilateral forums. That kind of balance is rare in politics and crucial for governance in today’s world. His presence is equally assured whether in formal boardrooms or community gatherings. This dual capacity offers real value in Sierra Leone’s evolving political landscape.
The road to 2028 demands more than familiar rhetoric or internal allegiance. The electorate is changing. Young voters, first-time voters, and independents are growing more discerning. They want leaders who think clearly and act with purpose. Throughout his campaign, Dr. Bangura has spoken with precision, prioritized policy, and maintained a respectful tone. These are not just campaign traits; they reveal how he intends to lead.
His relationship with the APC is equally instructive. He consistently shows respect for senior members and affirms the value of established party structures. Lasting reform must work within a disciplined framework. He is not seeking to overhaul the party’s identity. Instead, he aims to build on its foundations and inject new purpose into its core.
At this stage, the weight of responsibility lies heavily on the delegates. The 2026 convention will not simply choose a candidate. It will set the course for the APC for years to come. This decision carries consequences not only for the party’s immediate future but for a generation that will inherit the outcome. A misstep could prolong internal drift while a clear choice could restore national credibility and political momentum.
In a time that demands thoughtful choices, his candidacy offers the APC an opportunity to restore its focus and credibility. Whether that opportunity is taken will depend on the judgment of the delegates in the months ahead.
Dr. Bangura is stepping forward not out of ambition but out of preparedness. His campaign is organized, his message is clear, and his understanding of national challenges is rooted in years of direct experience. His candidacy is not built on personality alone but on the quiet confidence of someone who has been doing the work long before asking for the role.
For delegates and supporters alike, the question is no longer about popularity or noise. It is about seriousness. It is about who has the strength to unite the party and the clarity to guide it toward national relevance. Dr. Bangura offers both. In a time of political uncertainty, he stands not only as a candidate but as a test of whether the APC is ready to return to focused, responsible leadership.
