By Paul Williams
For months now, a certain narrative has been whispered in WhatsApp forums, peddled in private calls, and amplified in strategic gossip circles: that former President Ernest Bai Koroma had “endorsed” Ibrahim Bangura for the APC flagbearership.
It was the golden ticket some of his supporters clung to—a masterstroke of illusion aimed at boosting credibility, silencing doubters, and manufacturing momentum. But as with all poorly constructed political scams, it was bound to unravel.
And unravel it did.
Ibrahim Bangura, to his credit, recently came out to clear the air. In a move that was both necessary and overdue, he categorically denied ever claiming such an endorsement from President Koroma. This public clarification should have brought relief—but instead, it exposed a new layer of political theater.
Because in doing so, Ibrahim effectively threw some of his own most vocal allies under the bus.
These weren’t just passive admirers. These were individuals who spent weeks—and in some cases, months—calling delegates, elders, and stakeholders to confidently whisper:
• “E B K don choose am.”
• “Na Pa sef sef tell we for support Ibrahim.”
• “Na instruction from di Pa.”
• “For leh you believe say na Ibrahim EBK dae support, look di proof say he mi en EBK tok yesterday.”
• “Leh ar tell you somtin—na Ibrahim dey arrange all EBK’s international meetings.”
• “All EBK ein billionaire friends na Nigeria don choose Ibrahim. One sef don gee am $10 million for campaign.”
Sound familiar?
These foot soldiers of deception weren’t misinformed—they were part of a coordinated misinformation campaign. They weaponized the party’s deep respect for Ernest Bai Koroma to manipulate perceptions and influence delegates. It wasn’t just gossip; it was strategy. And now, they’ve been left exposed, embarrassed, and without a script—abandoned by the very candidate whose name they tried to elevate.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t harmless talk. It was a calculated ploy to stir momentum, breed confusion, and hijack trust.
The saddest part? Those who believed it weren’t gullible—they were conned. Conned by people who valued quick wins over credibility. By people who confused closeness with competence. By people who thought the party could be misled into submission.
Because while they played endorsement bingo, others were working. Others were walking the hard path—building grassroots alliances, crafting policy alternatives, shaking hands in constituencies, engaging delegates, and offering real vision. While the rest were sweating in the field, these ones were in smoke-filled WhatsApp groups, trading fiction for favor.
And now? They’ve hit a dead end.
To every APC member who was deceived—don’t just feel disappointed. Feel empowered. This is your reminder: always verify before you amplify. Not everyone who shouts loudest is speaking the truth. And not everyone who name-drops EBK has his actual blessing.
As for those who knowingly peddled the lie—dust yourselves off. Politics is a long game. If you build your brand on fiction, you’ll always run out of breath before the finish line. Next time, bring facts—not fantasy. Build loyalty—not illusions.
And to Ibrahim Bangura—well done for clearing the air. But next time, vet your messengers before their message burns the house down. Leadership isn’t just about what you say; it’s also about what you allow others to say on your behalf.
Let this be a wake-up call to the APC. We cannot afford to build our future on manipulation, misinformation, and shortcuts. The road to leadership must be paved with vision, substance, and integrity—not whispered lies and broken trust.
So, the next time someone tells you, “EBK has endorsed”—even if it’s coming from his personal assistant or former spokesperson—don’t just fall for the bait. Ask for an official press release. Not a phone call.
