By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Hon. Osman Abdal Timbo, a flagbearer aspirant of the opposition All People’s Congress APC, has insisted that he was wrongly removed as Member of Parliament for Constituency 130 following a High Court ruling after the 2018 elections, dismissing claims that his political career has been defined by controversy.
Speaking while outlining his vision and aspiration to lead the APC ahead of the 2028 general elections, Timbo revisited the circumstances surrounding his removal from Parliament, describing the episode as a miscarriage of justice that should not be used to question his credibility or leadership qualities.
According to Timbo, his election in 2018 was the result of the genuine will of the people of Constituency 130, who he said placed their confidence in him to represent their interests in Parliament. He maintained that the subsequent court ruling that led to his removal did not reflect the wishes of the electorate but rather a legal technicality that unfairly overturned the mandate given to him by voters.
“I was elected by the people and I remain grateful to them for that trust,” Timbo said. “My removal was not because the people rejected me or because I failed in my duties. I was wrongly removed, and history will judge that process for what it was.”
He rejected the description of his political journey as controversial, arguing that standing firm in the face of injustice should not be confused with controversy. Timbo noted that throughout his time in public life, he has remained committed to democratic principles, party loyalty, and peaceful political engagement.
The former lawmaker said his experience has strengthened his resolve to pursue the APC flagbearer position, as it exposed him to what he described as weaknesses in Sierra Leone’s democratic and judicial processes. He believes that these experiences uniquely position him to advocate for reforms that will protect the will of the people and strengthen confidence in national institutions.
Timbo emphasized that his flagbearer aspiration is not driven by personal grievances but by a desire to rebuild and reposition the APC as a credible and united alternative ahead of the 2028 elections. He called on party members to focus on unity, internal democracy, and a clear policy direction that addresses the needs of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
“Our party must rise above internal divisions and focus on the bigger picture,” he said. “The APC must be prepared to offer solutions to issues such as youth unemployment, economic hardship, and good governance. That is the conversation I want us to have.”
He further stressed that the APC needs leadership that can connect with the grassroots while also presenting a strong national vision. According to him, his political journey, including his removal from Parliament, has kept him grounded and connected to the realities faced by party supporters and citizens across the country.
As the APC gradually turns its attention to the 2028 elections, Timbo’s comments are likely to reignite debate within the party and the wider political space about his removal from Parliament and his suitability as a flagbearer aspirant. For his supporters, his stance reinforces a narrative of resilience and determination, while critics continue to scrutinize his past.
Despite differing views, Timbo remains confident that party delegates and supporters will judge him based on his ideas, commitment, and vision for Sierra Leone, rather than what he describes as an unjust chapter in his political career.
