Why the APC Points to DIB for Victory in 2028
By ALBANGUS
In politics, as in life, the road chosen determines the destination. This assertion resonates with the Krio aphorism “Di rod wey man tek go, dae tel di wey e dae go” Literally, it means that today’s choice shapes tomorrow’s destination; simply put, the path one chooses today reveals where one will end up tomorrow. In the end, whether in personal life or national politics, the road taken is always a declaration of intent and a preview of what.
This proverb speaks directly to the APC, which now stands at a critical juncture or turning point in its political history, ahead of its National Delegates Conference (NDC) or National Convention this August, and looks toward the anticipated 2028 General Elections. The decisions taken at this convention will reverberate far beyond party halls and internal debates, and define its political trajectory in the years to come. The choice that will either rescue or prolong its political fate.
However, the choice before the APC is not merely about personalities, exercise of internal contests of showmanship or political exhibitions. It is fundamentally about genuine direction, pursuing renewal, and restoring its relevance and readiness to govern the country. It therefore begs the question as to whether the APC will continue along a familiar path that has prolonged its stay in opposition and quarantined into a political quagmire for another five years or a decade after 2028, watching opportunities pass, while the nation moves on, or whether it will effectively reposition itself for a credible political comeback or return to the State House.
If the APC is to rebound to power in 2028, it must present a candidate who reassures the nation that the party has learned, evolved, and is prepared to govern again. Public trust, once broken, is not restored by slogans. It is rebuilt through credible leadership.
Be it as it may, the party’s future hangs in the balance, and it requires genuine renewal; the path to victory lies not in recycling the past, but in embracing real change and leadership that resonate with the times. To beget the time, the APC Flagbearer must look like the time.
It is against this backdrop of choice and time that DIB has emerged as the APC’s most marketable and strategically positioned Presidential aspirant. He replicates seriousness fluid with genuine intent among the many contenders. He stands out not by volume or spectacle, but by substance, restraint, and coherence. His growing appeal reflects a deeper political truth: leadership today must bridge the past and the future.
In DIB, the APC has an aspirant capable of uniting legacy loyalists and future-focused voters under a shared vision. As Siaka Stevens once said, “Politics is about understanding the people and the moment.” The moment now demands competence over confrontation. The next APC flagbearer must understand both the party’s internal dynamics and the national political terrain. DIB has shown dual awareness, earning respect within the APC while remaining acceptable to the wider electorate.
- A Fresh Face, Clean Slate, Break from Electoral Baggage
DIB represents a fresh political start. In modern elections, perception matters as much as policy. Candidates tied to unresolved legal issues or controversial past administrations often spend their campaigns defending themselves rather than selling ideas. DIB enters the race without such liabilities, allowing the APC to focus on solutions rather than explanations. For example, Dr Samura Kamara’s candidacy was overshadowed by court battles, leaving many voters sceptical. In contrast, DIB offers a fresh face and a clean slate. He is untainted by past scandals, and represents a break from the baggage that has weighed down the party. For a nation weary of recycled elites, this distinction matters. DIB’s profile allows the APC to present itself as forward-looking rather than trapped in yesterday’s battles. In a country tired of recycled elites, this clean slate is a major advantage.
- Repositioning the APC as a Government-in-Waiting
DIB helps shift the APC’s image from a permanent opposition party to a credible alternative government. His calm temperament, policy depth, and respect for institutions project readiness to govern. At a time when citizens are more concerned about economic hardship, corruption, and weak public services than political theatrics, reassuring leadership matters.
- Public Demand for Change
Sierra Leoneans are frustrated with corruption, unemployment, inflation, and failing infrastructure. They are weary of politicians who recycle the same rhetoric while ordinary citizens struggle. In this climate, DIB’s message of renewal resonates. He can credibly present himself as a candidate who understands the urgency of reform. His appeal lies not in elite connections, but in the authenticity of his message. For voters hungry for genuine change, DIB offers a compelling alternative.
- Credibility Beyond Party Noise
Elections are not won by noise alone. The loudest voices rarely persuade the widest audience. DIB’s emphasis on accountability, reform, and rule-based governance appeals to professionals, civil society, the media, and undecided voters, groups that quietly, but powerfully influence electoral outcomes. His politics builds trust, not tension.
- Natural Alignment with the Youth Majority
Sierra Leone’s electorate is youth-dominated, and young voters are increasingly impatient with recycled politicians. DIB connects naturally with this demographic, while maintaining respect for older party structures. This rare generational bridge allows the APC to expand its coalition rather than fracture it.
- Organic and Grassroots Support
DIB’s support base is organic, not manufactured. Groups such as DIB Ladies 4 Change and Friends of DIB across the country demonstrate genuine grassroots enthusiasm, especially among women and young people. Organic support translates into turnout, volunteerism, and sustained momentum, unlike patronage-driven loyalty, which often collapses near elections.
- Expanding the APC’s Electoral Map
Winning in 2028 will require more than holding traditional strongholds. DIB’s reformist image offers the APC an opportunity to regain trust in regions and constituencies where it has struggled since leaving office. He appeals to undecided voters searching for a credible alternative, which is essential for national victory.
- Bridging APC History with Future Reform
Renewal does not mean abandoning the party’s legacy; it means learning from it. DIB respects the APC’s past while signalling readiness to modernise its structures, messaging, and governance outlook. This balance reassures party elders while appealing to a broader national audience.
- Leadership That Matches the National Mood
Sierra Leoneans are fatigued by political aggression and endless confrontation. The public mood favours stability, seriousness, and solutions. DIB’s measured and thoughtful leadership style aligns with this sentiment, strengthening the APC’s appeal among voters seeking calm and competent leadership.
- Strategic Courage at a Defining Moment
Choosing DIB represents strategic courage. The road to 2028 demands difficult decisions, and winning parties are those willing to adapt to changing realities. Selecting DIB would signal that the APC understands the moment and is prepared to change course to secure victory.
As the APC heads to its convention, it faces a choice that will define its relevance beyond 2028. Credibility, lost since 2018, can only be restored through renewal, not recycled leadership. In Dr Ibrahim Bangura, the party signals readiness to govern again. As the saying goes, “Di rod wey man tek go, dae tel di wey e dae go.” The road chosen now will decide the APC’s future.