By: Audrey Raymonda John
Former Youth Minister Bai Mamoud Bangura (BMB) has officially declared his intention to contest for the flag-bearer position of the All People’s Congress (APC), marking a bold entry into the party’s leadership race ahead of the 2028 elections.
The declaration was made during the launch of the BMB Foundation at the Bintumani Conference Center in Aberdeen, Freetown. The event drew a diverse and enthusiastic audience, including top opposition figures, political allies, dignitaries, supporters, and ordinary citizens many of whom described the occasion not simply as a campaign launch but the birth of a movement rooted in national renewal, hope, and unity.
A prominent figure within the APC, Hon. Bangura also announced his resignation as the party’s National Organizing Secretary, signalling a decisive shift from party administration to full-fledged national ambition.
The BMB Foundation, unveiled alongside his candidacy, is envisioned as more than a political platform it is designed to promote transformative ideas and grassroots empowerment. With a focus on youth engagement, inclusive governance, and accountable leadership, the foundation aims to foster national development through civic action and visionary thinking.
In an emotionally charged and metaphor-rich address, Bangura offered a frank assessment of leadership in Sierra Leone. He touched on issues ranging from technological disruption to institutional dysfunction, calling for a bold recalibration of the nation’s political and governance structures.
“We must delete the broken columns,” he declared, referencing a system plagued by miscommunication, exclusion, and insincerity. “It’s time to reboot with integrity, empathy, and inclusiveness at the core.”
Bangura’s speech was fragmented at times but deeply resonant filled with metaphors, moments of personal vulnerability, and symbolic imagery. He pledged to prioritize women in leadership, digital transformation, and human-centered governance. His references to shutdowns and system failures served as powerful analogies for a country grappling with outdated infrastructure and unmet promises.
What distinguished his declaration was its raw honesty. Bangura acknowledged the personal and systemic challenges ahead, admitting the fatigue of being a public servant “striving to be heard in a landscape dominated by noise and skepticism.” Still, he remained resolute.
“Give me your confidence and let’s make things right,” he said in closing. “I believe in you and not in silence.”
His message struck a chord with many attendees, positioning him not just as a political candidate, but as a symbol of hope in a country hungry for genuine change.
As Sierra Leone moves toward the 2028 general elections, Hon. Bai Mamoud Bangura’s entry into the APC flag-bearer race introduces fresh energy and unconventional political style. His emotionally intelligent and digitally aware approach may appeal strongly to a new generation of voters seeking authenticity over performance.