The race for the 2028 presidential flagbearer position in the All People’s Congress (APC) is heating up, with an expanding roster of aspirants eager to lead the party into the next general elections.
Recent revelations in Freetown have highlighted the growing number of contenders vying for the party’s top spot, reflecting the APC’s vibrant internal democracy and heightened political momentum.
Among the prominent names leading the charge are Alhaji Mohamed Kamara, commonly known as Jagaban; Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, a university lecturer; Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), a distinguished Freetown lawyer and former aspirant; and Chernor Ramadan Bah, popularly called Chericoco, who served as Dr. Samura Kamara’s running mate in 2023. Other notable figures reportedly in the mix include Dr. Richard Konteh, Kaifala Marah, Ambassador Alimamy Kamara, Barrister Ady Macauley, and Hon. Bai Mamoud Bangura.
Profiles of the Front Runners
Alhaji Mohamed Kamara (Jagaban): Known for his philanthropic efforts and reputation as a man of the people, Jagaban has earned admiration for his integrity and dedication to the APC. He gained national attention during the 2023 APC convention in Makeni, where he campaigned for the running mate position. Despite not securing the role, Jagaban remained committed to the party, contributing significantly to key programs and building a robust image as a unifier, given his acceptance across both the Northwest and Southeast regions.
Chernor Ramadan Bah (Chericoco): Chericoco is a seasoned political figure with a long history of service within the APC. His tenure as Deputy Speaker of Parliament under Speaker SBB Dumbuya and leadership roles in party structures, such as the West African Caucus, have solidified his political credentials. Beyond politics, Chericoco has used football as a means to engage and inspire youth involvement in social and political activities.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura: Representing the younger generation of APC leaders, Dr. Bangura has strong political roots as the son of APC stalwart ML Bangura. With an extensive background in academia and consultancy for organizations like ECOWAS and the African Union, Dr. Bangura is regarded as a potential catalyst for change within the APC. His focus on fostering unity within the party has earned him widespread respect.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK): A prominent figure in the APC’s 2018 flagbearer race, JFK remains a respected lawyer and politician. His earlier campaigns showcased his leadership potential, and his return to active politics signals a renewed determination to serve. JFK has pledged unwavering support for the party, regardless of who emerges as the chosen flagbearer.
A Growing Field of AspirantsThe list of aspirants is expected to grow further, with political heavyweights like Dr. Richard Konteh, Kaifala Marah, Ambassador Alimamy Kamara, Barrister Ady Macauley, and Hon. Bai Mamoud Bangura reportedly considering their bids.
This dynamic and competitive atmosphere underscores the APC’s readiness to present a formidable candidate for the 2028 presidential election.As the race intensifies, the APC faces the task of ensuring a transparent and unifying selection process that reflects its commitment to fostering strong leadership and party cohesion.
