In law, the Latin maxim: res ipsa loquitur means “the thing speaks for itself.” Sometimes, a single image can convey what speeches, press statements, and political rhetoric struggle to express. Such was the case on Wednesday, 17th February 2026, at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court in Freetown, when a powerful photograph captured two leading aspirants for the 2028 presidential flagbearer position of the All People’s Congress (APC) standing side by side.
The moment followed the release on bail of the party’s Secretary General, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, by Magistrate Brima Jah, supporters had gathered in solidarity, and emotions ran high.
Yet beyond the legal proceedings and political undertones of the day, it was the image of unity between two prominent figures Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara and Mohamed Ormordu Kamara (Jagaban) that stole the spotlight and sent a strong message across the political landscape.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice under the administration of Ernest Bai Koroma, remains one of the APC’s most experienced and widely recognized political heavyweights. A seasoned lawyer and respected public figure, Kamara has long been considered a formidable contender for the party’s top ticket. His tenure as Attorney General positioned him at the heart of governance and justice sector reforms, giving him significant national visibility and institutional experience.
Standing alongside him in the now widely discussed photograph was Mohamed Ormordu Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban, another leading contestant in the APC’s anticipated flagbearer race. Jagaban has cultivated a strong grassroots appeal and is widely viewed as a dynamic mobilizer within the party’s ranks. His growing influence, particularly among younger party members and regional supporters, has made him a central figure in conversations about the future direction of the APC.
With the 2028 general elections merely two years away, political observers have been keenly watching the internal dynamics of the APC. Flagbearer contests in major political parties often breed tension, rivalry, and, in some cases, deep fractures. Sierra Leone’s political history is not without examples of internal party divisions spilling into the public domain, sometimes weakening electoral prospects.
However, the image from Pademba Road told a different story.
There was no sign of rivalry, no visible strain of competition. Instead, what many saw was composure, solidarity, and shared purpose. The presence of both aspirants at the court premises in support of the party’s Secretary General conveyed a powerful message: that the APC, despite being in a preparatory phase for a competitive internal race, is prioritizing unity above individual ambition. Res ipsa loquitur the thing truly spoke for itself.
At a time when political narratives are often shaped by speculation and social media conjecture, this visual moment cut through the noise. It suggested that Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara and Mohamed Ormordu Kamara Jagaba understand a fundamental truth of politics: internal cohesion is indispensable to electoral success.
The release of Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya on bail was itself a moment of relief for party supporters. His legal challenges have attracted considerable public attention, and the turnout at the court demonstrated the party’s resolve to stand by its officials. But the broader political symbolism lay in the show of solidarity from two men who could easily be seen as competitors.
Political maturity is often measured not only by how leaders campaign but by how they conduct themselves amid contestation. The 2028 flagbearer race promises to be keenly contested. Both Kamara and Jagaban bring different strengths to the table, experience and institutional depth on one hand; grassroots energy and populist appeal on the other. Yet the image suggested that their ambitions are framed within a shared commitment to party stability.
For the APC faithful, the photograph was reassuring. It countered any narrative of fragmentation and reinforced the idea that the party is strategically aligning itself for the future. Elections are won not merely by individual popularity but by collective discipline, strategic coordination, and a unified base.
Moreover, the symbolism extends beyond the APC. Sierra Leone’s democratic consolidation benefits when major political parties demonstrate internal tolerance and cohesion. The ability of aspirants to compete vigorously while maintaining mutual respect strengthens democratic culture and reduces the risk of post-primary disaffection.
As the 2028 elections draw nearer, political analysts will continue to scrutinize the maneuverings within the APC. Debates will intensify, alliances will shift, and campaign structures will take shape. But for now, the image from Pademba Road Magistrate Court stands as a reminder that unity remains the party’s central message.
Indeed, as the saying goes, a picture speaks louder than words. On that February afternoon, the visual of Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara and Mohamed Ormordu Kamara Jagaban standing together did more than fill a news frame it projected confidence, solidarity, and readiness.