Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. I will tell you the reason Bai Mahmoud Bangura is not an ideal candidate for the All People’s Congress (APC) and verily, Sierra Leone. However, to understand my stance, it is prudent to venture into a brief history of the APC and Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
The APC is one of Sierra Leone’s most influential political parties, with a rich history of governance and a critical role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Founded on April 5, 1960, by prominent figures such as Siaka Stevens and Abdulai Kanu, the APC emerged as a challenge to the dominant Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), which was struggling to maintain support in the northern and eastern regions at the time. The APC was built on the principle of inclusivity, providing a political platform for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of their ethnicity or social status. This founding vision, reflected in the party’s name, was meant to unite Sierra Leone under a common cause.
However, the party’s trajectory shifted significantly when Siaka Stevens became President of Sierra Leone in 1971. Over the years, Stevens consolidated power, and by the end of his presidency, the APC became synonymous with centralised, authoritarian rule. His successor, Joseph Saidu Momoh, continued the same policies, which contributed to widespread discontent and ultimately led to the 1992 coup. The National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC), which overthrew Momoh, was supported by many who were disillusioned with years of corruption, inequality, and mismanagement.
The APC regained power in 2007, when Ernest Bai Koroma won the presidency, following a tense election. Initially, Koroma’s first term showed promise, but his second term was marred by rampant corruption, the Ebola crisis, and a downturn in the country’s economic fortunes. Despite efforts to implement austerity measures, the APC’s popularity plummeted, and the party was voted out in the 2018 elections. Critics argued that the party’s failure to adapt and the selection of Samura Kamara, a relatively unpopular candidate, mirrored the mistakes made by Stevens when he chose Momoh as his successor. This led to the widespread critique of the APC’s leadership choices, as epitomised by the popular Krio slogan, “Yu sabi am.”
Now, as the APC seeks to regain power in the 2028 elections, the party is in the midst of a crisis. The most prominent candidate for leadership at this moment is Bai Mahmoud Bangura, a former Minister of Youth. While he has longstanding relationships with party delegates and is seen as a figure with trust within the APC, there are significant concerns about his involvement in corruption during his time in office.
The Commissions of Inquiry (COI), established by President Julius Maada Bio to investigate corruption in the previous administration, found that Bai Mamoud Bangura embezzled over Le 70 million. Rather than facing legal consequences, he was required to refund the stolen amount. This revelation casts a long shadow over his suitability as a leader within the APC, especially in an era where the country is yearning for transparency, accountability, and a break from past mistakes.
While some may argue that Bai Mahmoud’s ties to the party and his history as youth leader give him a chance to unite the APC, the reality is that the party must not repeat the same mistakes of the past. The APC must select a candidate who embodies the values of integrity, reform, and good governance—traits that were sorely lacking under previous administrations. It is essential for the APC to distance itself from figures implicated in corruption, as doing so will help restore the trust of the people and present the party as a serious force for positive change.
Furthermore, the candidacy for leadership within the APC should not be limited to the higher echelons of the party. To truly invigorate the party and reconnect with the people, the APC must embrace fresh leadership that is open to all members of the party, including those from grassroots levels. The future of the APC and Sierra Leone depends on giving new, dynamic, and clean leaders the chance to rise and lead with integrity, not just the same old faces from the top tier of the party.
In conclusion, the APC must reject Bai Mahmoud Bangura as a candidate for leadership, given the serious concerns regarding his involvement in corruption. The party’s future success will depend on selecting candidates who are fresh, committed to transparency, and free from corruption. The APC must look beyond the traditional power structures within the party and give the opportunity to new leaders who can inspire change and restore faith in the political system. Only by doing so will the party be able to present itself as a credible alternative to the current government and secure the trust of Sierra Leone’s citizens in the next election.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
