By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Member of Parliament Mohamed Bangura has explained why he supported the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, despite a walkout by most APC MPs during its consideration in Parliament.
Speaking on Liberty Online TV, Bangura said his decision followed discussions with fellow lawmakers across party lines, particularly on provisions relating to independent candidates and the eligibility of citizens with dual citizenship to contest elections.
During Parliament’s consideration of the bill, most APC MPs reportedly walked out of the chamber following disagreements over the voting threshold required for its passage. However, Bangura and fellow APC MP Alfred Ayodele Thompson remained in the chamber and voted in support of the legislation.
Explaining his position, Bangura disclosed that members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) had approached him to discuss legislative matters and understand the reasons behind his decisions on particular bills.
“They lobby me and tell me why I wouldn’t support the bill or why I would,” he said.
Bangura said parliamentary business requires dialogue and engagement among lawmakers, regardless of their political affiliations. He added that he had also discussed his position with fellow APC members to explain why he supported certain provisions of the constitutional amendment bill.
He identified the provisions concerning independent candidates and the eligibility of dual citizens to contest elections as key issues discussed with lawmakers from both the APC and SLPP.
According to Bangura, these engagements gave him an opportunity to explain his reasoning and help his colleagues understand his position on the proposed constitutional changes.
His decision to support the bill, while most APC MPs walked out in protest, set him apart from the majority of his party’s parliamentary representatives.
Beyond explaining his position on the legislation, Bangura criticized the APC leadership for what he described as a lack of consultation on developments surrounding the bill.
He claimed that the party leadership had not invited him to a meeting to discuss the matter, despite its significance to the party and the wider political debate.
“If my own party leadership doesn’t call me at a meeting to discuss about what is happening in Parliament about the bill up until this point, then I have nothing to do,” he said.
His remarks point to possible communication gaps between the APC leadership and its parliamentary representatives, particularly when major legislative issues expose differences within the party.
Bangura’s position also highlights the role of individual MPs in parliamentary decision-making and the importance of consultation and cross-party engagement when considering proposed legislation.
The Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has generated political debate over both its provisions and the parliamentary procedures surrounding its consideration.
Bangura maintained that he had engaged lawmakers from both major political parties to explain his position, presenting cross-party dialogue as an important part of his approach to parliamentary business.