By Mohamed Massaquoi
Leading flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, has laid bare his vision for the party, stating that unity, inclusivity and discipline will form the cornerstone of his leadership if elected flagbearer, promising to spearhead critical reforms ahead of the next general elections.
Bangura defines unity as respect for the party’s constitution, upholding democratic values, and valuing diversity of opinions. Without these, he argues, the APC cannot return to State House.
Speaking through his newly unveiled “Vision for the APC,” Dr. Bangura presents what many observers may see as both a roadmap for internal reconciliation and a blueprint for repositioning the main opposition party as a credible alternative to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
At the heart of his message is a conviction that the APC’s future depends more on rebuilding trust among its members.
“Without unity, the party cannot lead our supporters into government,” Bangura states, adding that that means respect for the party’s constitution and democratic values, and tolerance for divergent opinions.
The APC has, in recent years, experienced internal struggles with competing political interests that many supporters believe have weakened the party’s ability to present a united front.
Bangura says addressing those divisions will be among his first priorities if elected to serve.
He pledges to bring together aggrieved factions, resolve longstanding differences and create what he describes as a genuine level playing field where every member can compete under the same rules.
Rather than suppress dissenting voices, he argues that healthy debates will strengthen the party, not divide it.
His promise is one of an APC where differing viewpoints are welcomed, provided they are expressed within the framework of the party’s constitution and democratic traditions.
Dr. Bangura also seeks to redefine how the APC relates to the country’s diverse population. He envisions a political party that reflects the country’s ethnic, regional, gender and demographic diversity, stating that no member should be discriminated against because of their tribe or region.
“I believe that development begins when we can galvanise the collective energies of every Sierra Leonean,” he says, adding that politics must not be built on division, exclusion or marginalisation.
According to him, an inclusive APC would not only strengthen internal cohesion but also improve the party’s national appeal.
Another major feature of Dr. Bangura’s vision is greater participation for women and young people.
He promises to build a party where women, men and youth are equally empowered to compete for leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The emphasis, he says, is on creating opportunities based on merit rather than patronage or identity.
His long-term ambition is to leave behind an APC where “everyone thrives” and where leadership genuinely mirrors the country’s rich national character.
Dr. Bangura’s vision also calls for a more disciplined, grassroots-driven and modern political organisation.
He said the APC must strengthen mass mobilisation, deepen grassroots participation and adopt leadership that is selfless, effective and responsive to the aspirations of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Such reforms, he says, would improve the party’s electability and better position it to offer an alternative government.
He envisions an APC driven by a shared purpose to deliver change and sustainable development while remaining firmly anchored in democratic principles and constitutional governance.
As preparations continue to gather pace for the APC flagbearer race, Dr. Bangura’s message reflects the aspirations of many members who see unity, inclusivity and disciplined leadership as the foundation for rebuilding the APC into a stronger and more competitive political force.
For many supporters, the answer may ultimately depend not only on the vision being articulated but how effectively it is translated into action in the months ahead.
