By Alpha Sesay
In a powerful show of grassroots connection and unreserved confidence, on Sunday, 6th July 2025, Hon. Chericoco officially declared his intention to run for the APC flagbearer position before a jubilant gathering of APC supporters, party members, and the Fullah Community in Waterloo, Lower Koya.
The Western Area Rural Fullah Community, in a symbolic show of readiness and support, turned out in their hundreds, both young and old, to welcome Hon. Chericoco and demonstrate their unflinching loyalty to him and the APC Party.
Pa Alhaji Ibrahim Jalloh, a senior stakeholder of the Fullah Community in Waterloo, described Hon. Chericoco as a blessed son, humble, respectful, and courageous, and pledged the community’s full and unflinching support for his ambition and political journey.
“We will tie our lappas and belt our waists to support Hon. Chericoco’s ambition,” he declared, signaling the community’s deep commitment to what they described as a shared political destiny.
Speaking passionately, Hon. Chericoco described Waterloo as the gateway to Sierra Leone, a place that hosts all and reflects the spirit of the nation.
“I’ve come back to my people for blessings,” he stated humbly, adding that his track record speaks volumes.
On the subject of readiness, Hon. Chericoco emphasized his determination to challenge the ruling SLPP party. He firmly stated that he is not a coward.
“If I were a coward, I wouldn’t have been able to lead 58 APC MPs in Parliament to resist the SLPP’s attempts to pass bad laws. When 10 of our MPs were removed, I led the protest march from Cotton Tree to the party office. They fired rubber bullets and tear gas directly at me, but I didn’t run. I stood firm and led our people despite the police intimidation, while others stayed home, too afraid to come out.”
He also recalled the events of June 24, 2023, when the APC party office and its members were under siege. “I was the only one who went there and asked our members to come outside,” he said. “In all these struggles, those making the loudest noise today were nowhere to be seen or heard.”
Hon. Chericoco highlighted his extensive political experience, pointing to his successful parliamentary elections in 2007, 2012, and 2018 as evidence of his competence.
“For someone to captain a team, they must have played, practiced, and won matches with that team. Politics is no different, you must go through the rigors and understand the system before you can lead. I have practiced, I have led, and now I am ready to captain this party,” he said. “Leadership is not about words, it is about action.”
With confidence, he declared, “In 2028, by the will of God, I will be announced as the President of Sierra Leone,” drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Hon. Chericoco concluded by calling for unity in the APC, urging members to reject any attempts at division. He reassured APC supporters that his hands are clean, and vowed that under his leadership, the party would return to State House.
Ending with a heartfelt appeal, he said, “I ask for your prayers. I ask for your support. Together, we will win.”
The declaration in Waterloo marks a significant milestone in Hon. Chericoco’s political journey and sets the stage for what many see as a campaign anchored in loyalty, experience, and bold, purposeful leadership.