BY ABDUL AZIZ SAMURA
The son of former APC National Organizing Secretary who is currently aspiring to the lead the party as Presidential standard bearer ahead of the 2028 elections has said he was born and bred up in the APC which makes him an APC from the origin.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura told his audience while giving a keynote address at the Fourah Bay Field last week that because of his rich history and root to the party, he is confidently confidence to state that the APC is in his DNA.
On a bright and spirited Saturday 19th April 2025, thousands of supporters gathered at the Fourah Bay Community Field in Freetown to rally behind Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, the trending aspiring flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC). The massive event marked the official launch of Friends of Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, a movement aimed at galvanizing grassroots support for his presidential ambition.
The event drew people from all walks of life ranging from traditional leaders, APC stakeholders, former Members of Parliament, media representatives, and enthusiastic community members to cultural groups that added flavor to the occasion with vibrant traditional displays, reflecting the deep-rooted community support behind the APC hopeful.
Delivering the opening remarks, veteran Constituency 122 Chairman, Alhaji N. Kamara, expressed hope and faith in Dr. Bangura’s Presidential journey, invoking Allah’s blessings upon him. “I welcome everyone who graced this occasion. Insha’Allah, he will be our next President,” he declared.
Hon. Nuru Deen Sankoh, chairperson of the event, commended the overwhelming turnout. “Seeing this crowd, I can only imagine what the official campaign launch will look like,” he said, also lauding the Sierra Leone Police for their coordination and professionalism in ensuring a peaceful gathering.
Chairman Ibrahim Sesay echoed similar optimism, stating, “With a crowd like this, I believe Dr. Bangura will win the Presidency come 2028.”
In his address, APC stalwart, Abu Bakarr Daramy, took aim at the current administration, citing inflation and economic hardship as reasons for change. He said, “Only the APC can govern this country to the satisfaction of the people.” He emphasized the importance of vote protection and citizen vigilance.
Meanwhile, Constituency Chairman, Abu Kanu, called for unity and civility within the party. “Let us peacefully canvass others to join the Dr. Bangura camp without abuse or conflict,” he urged, also reminding supporters to participate in the national civil registration process to prevent electoral fraud.
Delivering his keynote address to the mammoth crowd, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura sent a heartfelt and wide-ranging message, touching on his personal history, his loyalty to the APC, and his vision for a united Sierra Leone.
“Today is a blessing. It shows that the grace of Allah is with us,” he began, reminiscing on his childhood days in Fourah Bay, a community he said, first embraced his political aspirations. He paid tribute to Fourah Bay College for its historical significance and its role in shaping national leadership.
Dr. Bangura emphasized his long-standing commitment to the APC, stating, “I didn’t join the APC; I was born into it. My father served the APC all his life. It’s in my DNA.” He recalled founding the Rising Sun, The Children of the APC, at the age of 15 and his involvement in rebuilding the party after its 1992 fall.
He recounted efforts to unify party factions during his mediation between the APC leadership and the National Reformation Movement (NRM), choosing peace over personal ambition. “I believe in solving problems, not fueling them,” he stated.
Turning to national issues, Dr. Bangura spoke passionately about unity, youth empowerment, and economic transformation. “We must heal, unite, and build,” he declared, vowing to address youth disconnection, drug addiction, and systemic inequality.
He promised a government that prioritizes inclusivity, economic opportunity, and justice. “I don’t want my daughter to grow up in a country where her surname or tribe determines her worth,” he said. He committed to eliminating the conditions that force women to ride motorbikes to give birth or face micro-credit harassment.
Dr. Bangura urged APC supporters to lead with humility, respect, and love. “If you insult someone because of me, then you are not a true supporter. There is only one APC. Let’s work together with love and purpose,” he appealed.
He concluded with a bold declaration of confidence ahead of the party’s national convention. “In January 2026, we will win the convention. I believe in you, and you believe in me.” As the sun set over Fourah Bay, Dr. Bangura officially launched the Friends of Dr. Ibrahim Bangura movement, calling it a vehicle for unity, transformation, and genuine people-centered leadership.