By Consortium of DIB Media Gurus
A growing chorus of support is emerging from the eastern part of Freetown, where youths interviewed recently have expressed support for Dr. Ibrahim Bangura (DIB) in the ongoing All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer contest ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
The youths, interviewed by the Consortium of DIB Media Gurus, said their support is largely inspired by what they described as Dr. Bangura’s emphasis on national unity, peace, reconciliation and inclusive leadership.
At the heart of their position is a belief that Sierra Leone needs political leadership capable of building bridges across political, regional and social divides. “The country needs a leader who can unite its people, not divide them,” some of the youths said, describing Dr. Bangura’s message of cohesion as one that resonates with their aspirations for the future.
The position reflects themes that have become central to DIB’s public campaign message, particularly his call to “Heal, Unite, Build” and his stated vision of a Sierra Leone united around a common purpose.
A LEADER FOR EVERYONE
The youths also pointed to what they described as Dr. Bangura’s development-oriented agenda and international experience, which they believe could contribute to investment, economic opportunities and employment for young people. For them, however, the APC flagbearer contest is about more than an internal party competition. They said the broader question is which aspirant can communicate a message capable of reaching beyond traditional party boundaries and addressing the concerns of the wider electorate.
Several interviewees argued that Dr. Bangura’s emphasis on peaceful engagement could resonate with APC supporters, SLPP supporters and citizens who do not identify strongly with either political camp. They said his message of inclusion speaks to what they regard as the aspirations of young people and vulnerable communities seeking peace, opportunity and a greater sense of belonging.
“POLITICS WITHOUT DIVISION”
The youths further expressed the view that Dr. Bangura’s political message places emphasis on treating Sierra Leoneans as citizens with equal rights and aspirations, regardless of political affiliation or background.
“Everybody should feel that the country belongs to them,” they said, identifying inclusiveness as one of the reasons for their support.
They argued that an APC flagbearer capable of communicating beyond traditional political boundaries could broaden the party’s national conversation as it prepares for the 2028 presidential contest.
The youths also expressed the belief that, should Dr. Bangura secure the APC nomination, his message of national cohesion could help the party engage voters beyond its traditional support base.
Their position adds another dimension to the increasingly active debate within the APC over who should carry the party’s presidential ticket in 2028, as aspirants and their supporters continue to articulate competing visions for the party and the country.
THE EAST END MESSAGE
For the East End youths interviewed, their message is straightforward: they want an APC flagbearer whose politics places unity, peace, reconciliation, inclusion and development at the centre of Sierra Leone’s future. And, in their assessment, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s “Heal, Unite, Build” message represents the kind of political vision they want to see carried into the next chapter of the country’s political journey.
