By Idriss Balogun Tejan
Dr Ibrahim Bangura stands at the crossroads of political ambition and ruthless smear campaigns. Although his name is synonymous with transformative leadership, critics and opponents seek to entangle it in a web of baseless accusations. Unable to challenge his vision and competence, they have resorted to fabrications, twisting admiration into suspicion and loyalty into liability. But amidst the storm, one question remains: Why does his unwavering respect for former President Ernest Bai Koroma unsettle his adversaries so deeply?
In the race to become the next National Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) and its 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Ibrahim Bangura stands out as the most promising and dynamic among the flagbearer contenders. Nonetheless, he does not merely bask in admiration.
He has become the target of vicious blackmail, yet he remains steadfast, weathering a storm of baseless and misguided allegations from both within his party and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government.
After failing in their attempts to tarnish Dr Ibrahim Bangura’s image, they now attempt to weaponize his respect for a leader whose tenure was defined by transformative reforms.
Having realized that fabricating rumours, such as claims of his alleged affairs with the daughters of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, current President Julius Maada Bio, and APC’s Diana Konomani and Madina Rahman, has yielded no political advantage; his detractors and adversaries now resort to labeling him a mere political surrogate of former President Koroma.
This accusation is not only baffling but profoundly misguided. Yet, one cannot help but wonder why Bangura’s steadfast admiration for Koroma’s well-documented leadership unsettles his critics and opponents.
It is irrational to suggest that Dr Bangura should be viewed unfavorably simply because he admires a leader whose distinguished record speaks to remarkable service and who once held the office he now aspires to.
In fact, many APC flagbearer aspirants have visited former President Koroma in Abuja, Nigeria, to formally announce their intentions to contest for the position of National Leader and the APC’s 2028 presidential candidacy.
Recognizing that historical achievements provide a strong foundation for shaping effective political campaign narratives, they seek not only his blessings and support but also look forward to anchor their campaigns on his legacy.
I am certain that these aspirants received a warm and hospitable welcome from Ernest Koroma. Yet, the nuances of his body language likely conveyed an unspoken message that left them both awed and disillusioned. Consequently, many now claim that Dr Ibrahim Bangura is the so-called “handpicked candidate” of former President Koroma. But, I will without any equivocation state that this is a label used to undermine his credibility.
I say so because it is evident to all discerning individuals that Dr Bangura’s admiration for a proven leader is being unfairly weaponized to suggest that loyalty and respect should be grounds for suspicion and vilification.
Without a doubt, former President Ernest Bai Koroma is a leader whose legacy speaks volumes. His tenure from 2007 to 2018 was marked by bold reforms that transformed Sierra Leone’s economy, infrastructure, and governance. His administration’s commitment to democratic principles propelled Sierra Leone to become Africa’s fastest-growing economy in 2014, until the Ebola outbreak disrupted progress. Furthermore, his peacebuilding efforts earned him recognition from the United Nations Secretary-General.
A recent publication by the Council of Progressives explores Ernest Koroma’s legacy, highlighting his substantial contributions to infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and education. The book presents his leadership as a model for democratic governance, emphasizing the significance of long-term planning and institutional development.
As an APC member, my message to all is simple: there is no reason to distance ourselves from former President Koroma, whose track record remains unmatched in Sierra Leone’s history. Those who discourage this association do so for political gain, seeking to weaken our ability to campaign on his legacy.
Rather than succumbing to their narrative, I urge every APC member to embrace this connection and redefine the discourse. After all, attacking individuals based solely on association, without considering their capabilities, diminishes the integrity of the ongoing political dialogue. In today’s climate, experience dictates that we reject baseless condemnations and instead acknowledge the true measure of leadership and service.
It is on this note that Dr Ibrahim Bangura has always been proud of his association with the former president and longtime APC leader, and every APC member should be, too.
To distance ourselves from Ernest Bai Koroma is to abandon the very foundation of our achievements—the strategic advantage that positions us for victory in the 2028 elections.