By Alpha Conteh
Freetown, 8th September 2026- All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer hopeful Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has unveiled a bold vision for Sierra Leone’s future, pledging that his leadership in 2028 will be anchored on the energy of young people and the determination of women.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with professionals and grassroots leaders in Freetown, Dr. Bangura declared that Sierra Leone’s renewal must begin with a generational shift. “The time has come for a new generation to save Sierra Leone,” he said, stressing that the country’s future depends on fresh ideas and inclusive governance.
Dr. Bangura criticized what he described as “old ways” that have failed to deliver progress, insisting that a different approach is needed to achieve different results. He promised that under his leadership, at least half of key government appointments would go to qualified youth and women, ensuring that decision‑making reflects the demographics of a nation where more than 60 percent of citizens are under 35.
“We are not talking about tokenism. We are talking about real power, real responsibility, real results,” he emphasized. “The daughters and sons of market women and bike riders will sit at the table where decisions are made.”
The APC hopeful outlined a reform agenda focused on: Youth employment through skills training and entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment in leadership and healthcare, digital economy investment to drive innovation and agriculture as a backbone for food security.
He argued that these sectors are critical to breaking cycles of poverty and exclusion, while positioning Sierra Leone for sustainable growth.
Dr. Bangura also urged the APC to embrace internal transformation, saying the party must reflect the realities of Sierra Leone’s youthful population. “This is not about age alone. It is about mindset, service, and saving Sierra Leone,” he told delegates, calling for leadership that resonates with the aspirations of ordinary citizens.
Supporters at the event described his message as “hopeful and timely,” noting that it gives young APC members a sense of belonging ahead of the 2028 elections. Women leaders present welcomed the pledge of equal representation, saying it could mark a turning point in Sierra Leone’s political culture.
Dr. Bangura’s declaration sets the tone for what could become one of the most youth‑focused campaigns in Sierra Leone’s recent history, positioning him as a candidate determined to rewrite the narrative of governance by placing young people and women at the heart of national leadership.
