Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has pledged to unite Sierra Leone’s main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), promising to heal internal divisions and build what he described as a more inclusive and disciplined political party.
In a vision statement released as part of his leadership campaign, Dr. Bangura said he wanted to create an APC that is united by “mass mobilisation, grassroots participation, democracy and our constitution.”
He argued that the party’s ability to return to government depends on its capacity to overcome internal differences.
“Without unity, the party cannot lead our supporters into government,” he said, adding that unity means respecting the party’s constitution, upholding democratic values and embracing differing opinions under disciplined leadership.
Dr. Bangura said he would prioritise reconciling aggrieved factions and resolving disputes within the party. He also promised to ensure that members could participate regardless of ethnicity, region, district or gender.
He said he envisaged an APC that better reflects Sierra Leone’s diversity, with women, men and young people given equal opportunities to compete for leadership and serve the party.
The APC leadership hopeful also pledged to create what he called a level playing field where members can express different views and compete under the same rules.
He said he wanted to move the party away from what he described as “divisive and backward politics”, arguing that national development requires bringing together people from all backgrounds rather than marginalising them because of their ethnicity, political affiliation or family name.
“I will lead an APC where no one is advantaged or disadvantaged because of their ethnicity,” Dr. Bangura said.
His vision also includes building a party whose leadership, and any future APC government, reflects the country’s national character and demographic diversity.
Dr. Bangura’s statement comes as the APC prepares for internal leadership processes expected to shape the party’s future direction ahead of Sierra Leone’s next general elections.
