By: Nelson Adebayo Johnson
DIB Movement leader Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has urged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization, declaring that the 2028 elections will be won through unity, discipline, and a focus on young people and women.
Addressing a crowd of supporters from Kailahun, Kono and Kenema districts this week, Dr. Bangura said the time for preparation is now.
“At this stage we take no chance. We have to win,” he stated.
He directed the movement’s executive to expand its structures and increase voter outreach across chiefdoms and communities.
“Who don’t believe I am the next president come 2028. We all need to work with oneness to make this possible,” he added.
Dr. Bangura said youth exclusion from national development has gone on for too long and must be reversed.
“It is no secret that governments have disconnected the young people in the development of Sierra Leone. We need to work together to gain our lost glory,” he said.
He pledged that his administration would place women and young people at the center of policy, job creation, and decision-making.
“Sierra Leone is bigger than us and we must work for the future of our young generations,” he noted.
The DIB leader outlined his vision under the theme “Heal. Unite. Build.”
- Heal – promote forgiveness and national reconciliation
- Unite – bridge political, regional and tribal divides
- Build – invest in education, jobs, and infrastructure for the next generation
“Forget and forgive ourselves whatever that has happened,” he told supporters.
Dr. Bangura distinguished his approach from typical politics, calling for a message-driven campaign.
“My political campaign is different. Don’t use abusive language to others, but with my message and vision, Sierra Leone will rise again,” he said.
Kailahun, Kono and Kenema form the eastern voting bloc. Per ECSL 2023 figures, the three districts had over 800,000 registered voters.
Youth make up over 60% of Sierra Leone’s population, and women’s representation in Parliament remains below 15%, according to UNDP data. Both demographics are expected to shape the 2028 election outcome.
