By Umaru S. Jah
Berlin, Germany, 26 August 2026: For more than a year, I have been writing about Dr Ibrahim Bangura and his intention to lead the All People’s Congress (APC). I keep writing about him because I believe he has something important to offer the APC and Sierra Leone.
As we move towards the National Delegates Conference (NDC), I will continue to explain why I support his candidacy. In the coming weeks, I will write about his background, experience, character, work with young people and women, and his ability to bring people together.
I am starting this series while important questions are being discussed within our country and party. The recent constitutional amendment process in Parliament has generated public debate. Within the APC, discussions also continue over the mandate of the current National Executive. These matters cannot simply be brushed aside. They should be handled lawfully and responsibly. But the party must also continue preparing for the important decisions ahead, including the choice of its next leader.
I live in Berlin, but distance has never removed me from the affairs of Sierra Leone or the APC. I have remained active in the party and have worked with members in Germany and other parts of Europe. I therefore believe that those of us in the diaspora also have a responsibility to take part in discussions about the future of our party.
The APC has several experienced members seeking to lead it. I respect their right to contest. My support for Dr Bangura does not require me to insult or bring down anyone else. I would rather use my time to explain what I see in him and why I believe he deserves the support of party members and delegates.
I became interested in Dr Bangura because his experience is connected to some of the problems Sierra Leone continues to face. He has worked in peacebuilding, human rights, youth development, gender, governance and the assessment of development programmes in different African countries. This work did not begin when he decided to seek political office. It has occupied a considerable part of his professional life.
Education and professional experience are important, but they are not enough on their own. A political leader must know how to deal with people, listen to different opinions and remain calm when disagreements arise. The APC will need every section of its membership after the flagbearer contest. Whoever wins must be prepared to work with those who supported the other candidates.
This is why Dr Bangura’s call to Heal, Unite and Build means something to me. The APC must come out of the NDC as one party. We cannot prepare properly for the next national election if we carry every internal disagreement with us. The country also needs leaders who understand that political differences should not make citizens enemies.
Between now and the NDC, I will deal with one subject at a time. I will look at Dr Bangura’s professional record, his approach to party unity, his national appeal and the ideas he has presented for Sierra Leone. I will also discuss why I believe he can lead the APC and represent the party in the next presidential election.
I have made my choice, and I am prepared to explain it. That is why I keep writing about Dr Ibrahim Bangura.
