By Thaimu T Kamara
Former Minister and Ambassador Alimamy Philip “Petito” Koroma has called for peace, unity and national cohesion within the All People’s Congress (APC), as he seeks the position of National Chairman of the party ahead of its forthcoming leadership convention.
Koroma, a veteran politician with over three decades of involvement in the APC, has appealed to party members, stakeholders and supporters across the country to support his chairmanship ambition, which he says is centred on uniting the party, strengthening its internal structures and preparing it for future general elections.
He believes that peace and reconciliation are essential to rebuilding confidence among party members and addressing internal disagreements that have affected the party’s unity.
In his call for support, Koroma emphasised that the APC needs a leadership that can bring together members from different backgrounds, political interests and geographical regions under one common purpose.
He maintained that his ambition is not simply to occupy the position of National Chairman but to contribute to strengthening the party’s unity, organisational capacity and political direction.
According to him, the APC must move beyond internal divisions and concentrate on building a united political organisation capable of participating effectively in future elections.
Koroma has therefore called on party executives, grassroots supporters, elders, youth groups, women and other stakeholders to rally behind his aspiration as he seeks to lead the party.
His chairmanship ambition is also being presented against the background of his long-standing involvement in the APC and his experience in public service.
Over the years, Koroma has occupied several important positions within the party and government, including serving as Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructure, and Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the People’s Republic of China.
His appointment as Minister of Trade and Industry in 2007 was followed by his service as Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructure from 2010 to 2013. In 2016, he was appointed Ambassador to China by former President Ernest Bai Koroma. (Parliament of Sierra Leone)
During his time in government, particularly at the Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure, Koroma was associated with road rehabilitation and infrastructure development projects across the country.
His supporters have also highlighted his contribution to advocating for the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, which they say helped improve connectivity and access to communities.
They further point to his involvement in educational support, including scholarships and opportunities for students seeking to pursue higher education abroad.
According to accounts from his supporters, these initiatives were intended to provide young people with opportunities to improve their educational qualifications and contribute to national development.
His diplomatic experience as Ambassador to China also forms part of the record being highlighted in support of his chairmanship ambition. During his diplomatic service, he worked to strengthen relations between Sierra Leone and China, particularly in areas of cooperation, trade and development. (The Sierra Leone Telegraph)
Beyond his government and diplomatic responsibilities, Koroma has also been associated with peace-building initiatives in Sierra Leone. His previous involvement in religious and interfaith leadership has been recognised as part of his contribution to reconciliation and national cohesion.
As the APC prepares for its next phase of leadership, Koroma has continued to emphasise the importance of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect among party members.
He believes that political disagreements should not become permanent divisions and that party members must learn to resolve their differences through constructive engagement.
His call for peace also extends beyond the APC, as he maintains that political stability and national development require cooperation among citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Koroma’s supporters say his experience in party administration, government and international diplomacy provides an important background to his ambition for the National Chairmanship.
His political journey within the APC spans more than 30 years, during which he has served in different capacities and participated in the party’s political activities at various levels.
As he seeks the support of party members and stakeholders, Koroma is placing particular emphasis on unity, reconciliation, effective leadership and organisational development.
The chairmanship contest is expected to provide an opportunity for APC members to consider different leadership visions and determine the direction they want the party to take in the coming years.
For Koroma, the central message remains the need for a united APC capable of overcoming internal differences, strengthening its structures and engaging constructively with the people of Sierra Leone.
He is therefore calling on party members and stakeholders to consider his experience and leadership vision as they prepare to elect the next National Chairman of the All People’s Congress.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 2nd November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
