By Janet A Sesay
As the All People’s Congress (APC) prepares to select its 2028 presidential flagbearer, delegates face a critical decision that will shape the party’s future and influence its prospects in the 2028 general elections. Against this backdrop, supporters of Dr Ibrahim Bangura, popularly known as DIB, are urging delegates to consider his leadership credentials, peace-building experience and vision for national unity.
The flagbearer contest represents more than an internal political competition. It is an opportunity for the APC to assess the qualities, experience and national appeal required of a candidate capable of uniting the party and earning the confidence of Sierra Leoneans.
An African proverb states that “the child who knows how to wash his hands will eat with elders.” In the context of leadership, this wisdom highlights the importance of preparation, character, intellectual maturity and an understanding of the responsibilities that accompany public office.
For APC delegates, the central question is therefore not simply who aspires to lead the party, but who possesses the vision, discipline and capacity to carry the responsibility of presidential leadership.
Dr Ibrahim Bangura’s supporters believe that his academic background, experience in peace and conflict studies, and emphasis on national cohesion provide a foundation worth serious consideration. They argue that his approach to leadership could contribute to strengthening dialogue, promoting institutional confidence and addressing the divisions that can undermine national development.
A Strategic Choice for the APC
Political contests are often likened to journeys across difficult terrain. Those who focus only on immediate obstacles may lose sight of their ultimate destination. Successful navigation requires careful assessment, sound judgement and a clear understanding of the goals ahead.
For the APC, those goals include building a united party, selecting a credible flagbearer and presenting a convincing national agenda capable of attracting support beyond its traditional political base.
DIB’s candidacy should therefore be assessed within this broader context. His supporters believe that his message of unity and development offers an opportunity for the party to strengthen its internal cohesion and communicate a renewed vision to the electorate.
As another African proverb reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” The message is particularly relevant to the APC as it navigates the challenges of internal competition.
Although aspirants may differ in their political strategies and ambitions, the contest should not become a source of lasting division. Instead, it should provide an opportunity for democratic engagement, constructive debate and the strengthening of party institutions.
Ultimately, the responsibility of delegates is to make a choice that serves the long-term interests of the party rather than temporary political considerations or personal loyalties.
DIB’s Message of Unity and National Development
Sierra Leone requires leadership capable of engaging citizens across regional, ethnic, religious and generational boundaries. National progress depends on an inclusive political culture in which dialogue takes precedence over division and public service remains central to leadership.
DIB’s supporters present his message of reconciliation, unity and development as a potential foundation for rebuilding confidence within the APC and advancing a broader national agenda.
However, the success of any political vision depends on more than its appeal. It requires clear policies, credible implementation strategies, a capable team and a willingness to listen to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
The African proverb that “a single bracelet does not jingle” underscores the importance of collective effort. No individual can successfully lead a political party or govern a nation without the cooperation of others.
For this reason, DIB’s supporters, party elders, delegates, women, young people and other stakeholders must recognise the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the APC’s future.
Selecting a flagbearer is only the beginning of a demanding political journey. The successful aspirant will need the cooperation of fellow contenders, the confidence of party members and the trust of the wider electorate.
A candidate who emerges from the process with a united party behind him will be better positioned to communicate a coherent message and present a credible alternative to the electorate.
The Responsibility Before APC Delegates
As the flagbearer contest progresses, APC delegates are being encouraged to examine the credentials, ideas and national appeal of every aspirant carefully.
For supporters of DIB, the argument is that Dr Ibrahim Bangura deserves serious consideration because of the leadership qualities and national vision they believe he brings to the contest.
If delegates are persuaded that his experience, character and policy direction align with the party’s long-term objectives, they should feel free to support his candidacy through a democratic and transparent process.
The ultimate decision, however, rests with the delegates, whose responsibility is to exercise their judgement in accordance with their convictions and the interests of the party.
The APC must ensure that its internal competition is guided by democratic principles, mutual respect and a commitment to unity. Intimidation, bitterness and personal attacks should have no place in a process that will determine the party’s future leadership.
The objective should extend beyond selecting a flagbearer to building a political movement capable of addressing the concerns of Sierra Leoneans and earning their confidence through credible policies and responsible leadership.
A Future Built on Unity and Purpose
The APC stands at an important crossroads. Its decision on the flagbearer will influence not only the direction of its internal politics but also its ability to present a compelling vision for Sierra Leone’s future.
DIB’s supporters believe that his candidacy offers an opportunity to advance a message centred on peace, unity and national development. They are therefore calling on delegates to assess his potential contribution to the party’s future with open minds and a clear sense of responsibility.
The future belongs not merely to those who speak of change, but to those who can translate their promises into practical results.
As the party prepares for this defining decision, delegates must be guided by wisdom rather than bitterness, conviction rather than intimidation, and unity rather than division.
The ultimate measure of their decision will not simply be the identity of the candidate they select, but the strength of the party they build and the confidence they inspire among Sierra Leoneans.
For DIB’s supporters, the message is clear: the choice of a flagbearer must be guided by the delegates’ conscience, while the APC’s future must be protected through wisdom, unity and a shared commitment to national progress.