APC Flagbearer Race Heats Up as Five Frontrunners Emerge Ahead of 2028 Elections

By Thaimu Tick Kamara

The race for the 2028 presidential flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC) is gaining momentum following the successful completion of lower-level ward elections across Sierra Leone. The internal electoral process has not only strengthened party structures at the grassroots level but has also brought renewed excitement among supporters as five prominent aspirants for the APC Presidential ticket begin to take the lead as the counting of the votes rolls on.

Hon Chernor Bah Chericoco

These five contenders: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Bai Mahmood Bangura, Hon. Cherno Chericoco Bah,   Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), and Mohamed Omodu Kamara (Jagaban) are now at the center of attention as party stakeholders and supporters look ahead to the crucial National Delegates Conference scheduled to take place in Port Loko District later in the year.

The recently concluded lower level ward elections have been described by party officials as peaceful and well-organized, reflecting the APC’s commitment to democratic values and internal cohesion. The results have sparked celebrations among supporters of the five leading aspirants, each of whom has built a strong base within the party over the years.

Dr Ibrahim Bangura

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, a native of Kambia District, is emerging as a fresh face in the race. Despite never holding a formal political appointment, he has garnered attention for his grassroots appeal and message of national renewal. His supporters argue that his lack of prior government office positions him as an independent-minded leader capable of bringing change to Sierra Leone. His campaign has focused on unity, development, and a people-centered approach to governance.

Bai Mahmoud Bangura

Meanwhile, Bai Mahmood Bangura, also from Kambia District, brings a wealth of political experience to the contest. Having served as Minister of Youth Affairs under the Ernest Bai Koroma government, he is widely regarded as a seasoned politician with deep knowledge of governance and party structures. His long-standing involvement with the APC and his track record in public service have earned him significant respect among party loyalists. Supporters view him as a steady hand capable of leading the party to victory in 2028.

On the other hand, Hon. Chernor Bah, a prominent figure from Freetown, remains a strong contender in the race. A former Member of Parliament, Bah has built a reputation as a dedicated public servant and humanitarian. His influence extends particularly among urban voters, where he is admired for his contributions to community development and social welfare initiatives.
Hon Chernor Bah also served as running mate to Samura Kamara during the 2018 general elections, further solidifying his position within the party’s upper ranks. His experience at the national level and his visibility in previous elections have made him a formidable candidate.

Josephe Fitzgerald Kamara, who served as Anti-Corruption Commissioner and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under the Ernest Bai Koroma government, is a well-respected technocrat and a favourite of the grassroot APC supporters to clinch the ticket as his party’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections.  His supporters are said to have performed very well in the lower level elections.

Mohamed Omodu Kamara (jagaban)

Mohamed Omodu Kamara, alias Jagaban is a relatively new entrant into politics but his recent visibility as a rich candidate who is splashing cash where ever he goes to woo voters has made him a very strong contender for the APC presidential ticket.

As the APC prepares for its National Delegates Conference, anticipation is building among party stakeholders, including councillors, Members of Parliament, and grassroots organizers. The conference is expected to play a decisive role in determining who will emerge as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

As people are still in doubt as how Jagaban is spending money in the country; some others believe in Jagaban as the one to rule the APC party come 2028. But the results did not reflect his will.

Political analysts note that the contest reflects a broader dynamic within the APC balancing experience, grassroots appeal, and generational change.

While Bai Mahmood Bangura represents continuity and experience, Jagaban is splashing his wealth to woo voters, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura symbolizes a new direction, and Chernor Bah and JFK offer a blend of both, with proven leadership and strong public engagement experience.

Supporters of the five aspirants have taken to various platforms to express their enthusiasm, organizing rallies and meetings to demonstrate their backing. Despite the competition, party leaders have repeatedly emphasized the need for unity and discipline throughout the process.

“The strength of the APC lies in its unity,” a senior party official said. “Whoever emerges as flagbearer must have the full support of the party to ensure victory in 2028.”

Across Sierra Leone, citizens are closely watching developments within the APC, recognizing the significance of the party’s choice in shaping the country’s political future. Many voters are eager to see a leader who can address pressing national challenges, including economic growth, youth unemployment, and infrastructure development.

While celebrations continue among supporters of the leading aspirants, the ultimate decision remains in the hands of party delegates. The coming months are expected to feature intense campaigning, strategic alliances, and continued engagement with grassroots members.
As the countdown to the National Delegates Conference begins, one question remains at the forefront of national discourse: who will emerge as the APC’s flagbearer for 2028?

The ruling party Sierra Leone Peoples Party recently had its lower level elections which came with it’s own little drama. Yet the APC lower level elections and the up-coming national delegates conference are proving and promising to be more dramatic!

“Considering that the All People’s Congress Party’s had been out of office 9 years, they must be thirsty for power. To set the stage for that there must be the lower level elections. Whoever you may ask in the APC lower level elections, that person will say he must be the chosen one”, journalist Pst Mohamed Sesay told Expo Magazine in an interview.

“In the lineup were the old guards some of whom have come close to power before like John Fitzgerald Kamara who held various positions in the past APC dispensation. He was expected to score well. There are the wannabes  like Jagaban who think elections is all about money and flaunted it everywhere even though what some of his critics claim  is all about promises that may never be full filled,” Pst Mohamed Sesay added.

“The other hopeful was the man called Chericoco, who came close twice to the presidency on for him to lose 2 presidential election. He still hopes. Bai Mahmoud Bangura, the once darling of the young people have his eyes on that crown. When the day came for the lower level elections, it was no surprising that the country was abuzz with APC elections fever. The first to cry foul was Jagaban. He said he was cheated. He has promised to fight back,” said Pst Mohamed Sesay.

For now, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Bai Mahmood Bangura, Chernor Chericoco Bah, JFK and Jagaban remain the frontrunners in a race that is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Sierra Leone’s recent history.

Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine,  March-April 2025 Edition Vol.4, No.1, (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)