By Karamoh Kabba
The recent Global Times article offers a timely overview of the APC’s evolving flag bearer race. While it rightly highlights several seasoned contenders, it omits a rising force whose leadership credentials, generational appeal, and policy clarity make him uniquely suited to lead the APC into 2028: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura.
Dr. Bangura is not just another aspirant, he represents a strategic recalibration of what leadership in Sierra Leone must look like. A scholar-practitioner with deep roots in peace and conflict, good governance reform, youth empowerment, and institutional accountability, he brings a rare blend of intellectual rigor, grassroots empathy, and technocratic competence.
His leadership was most evident in bridging the gap between youth-led reform movements within the APC and the party establishment, an achievement that speaks volumes about his capacity to unify and lead.
Generational Policy Vision
Those of us in his circle of highly placed and competent professionals have witnessed firsthand his fluency in generational policy discourse. We are all familiar with Ernest Bai Koroma’s landmark free healthcare policy for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five, a policy that has since been undermined by the current administration. Dr. Bangura has challenged us to think beyond that legacy. He often reminds us, “Once a man, twice a child,” urging the need for affordable healthcare policies that include the Silent Generation and aging citizens.
His policy discussions span baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials, the economic backbone of our nation. For these generations, livable wages and dignified working conditions are non-negotiable.
For Gen Z, our campaign is unapologetically focused on empowerment. This is their moment. We’re not just continuing the free education initiative—we’re fixing its lapses. Our campaign has already calculated sectoral wage structures to sustainably support the education program. And we’re well aware that a significant portion of Gen Alpha will be eligible voters by 2028.
Policy Depth and Strategic Clarity
Dr. Bangura’s strength lies in his policy depth. Unlike aspirants who lean on legacy or personality, he offers a clear, evidence-based vision rooted in constitutional reform, economic diversification, and institutional renewal. His generational bridge-building resonates with both the old guard and the youth, offering continuity without complacency, and change without chaos.
In a political climate fatigued by recycled narratives and unresolved baggage, Dr. Bangura offers a fresh, untainted alternative; free from factionalism, scandal, or electoral fatigue.
Pan-National Appeal and Reconciliation
He also brings pan-national appeal. His message transcends tribal and regional lines, positioning him as a reconciliatory figure in both party and country, especially at this time when cohesion is urgently needed.
As the APC charts its course toward 2028, it must ask: do we want to relive the past, or reimagine the future? The answer is in a few words: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura is not just a candidate, he is a strategic opportunity to reset the party’s moral compass, expand its electoral base, and restore public trust in governance.
The APC deserves a flag bearer who can win not just an election, and not just protect our votes, but earn the confidence of all the tribes and generations of Sierra Leoneans. That leader is Dr. Ibrahim Bangura.
