By: Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 22nd December 2025- Former Anti-Corruption Commissioner and senior APC party member, Ady Macauley, has officially announced his intention to become the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections in the country. He made this announcement during the official launch of the Ady Macauley Movement, which brought together senior party members, executives, and supporters at Fourah Bay Field in the eastern part of Freetown.
He stated that his decision is driven by the belief that the time has come for young people to take up leadership in the country, as they best understand the challenges they face. He noted that Sierra Leone is a country with a youthful population, and young people constitute the largest percentage of the nation’s human resource.
He expressed appreciation to former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma for appointing him as Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, a position he said helped him build the capacity and experience he possesses today. He emphasized that he has served the country for many years, which has further motivated his desire to contest for the flagbearer position and ultimately become President of Sierra Leone.
Macauley also said that, if elected president, he would use his capacity to support petty traders, whose businesses contribute significantly to the national economy. He stressed that Sierra Leone should stop depending on donors and the international community for development projects. He criticized the overemphasis on the mining sector, which he said contributes only about 20 percent to the country’s GDP, while other important sectors that could greatly boost the economy have been neglected. He highlighted agriculture as one such sector that has not received the attention needed to maximize its contribution to economic growth and pledged to promote economic diversification.
He further stated that he would support any candidate who eventually emerges as the APC flagbearer, but cautioned the party executive to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. He extended an invitation to his fellow flagbearer aspirants, explaining that unity is what the APC needs in order to win the upcoming elections. He assured young people that their energy, creativity, and potential would no longer be ignored, and pledged to discourage violence, hatred, and division within the party and the country at large. With his deep understanding of the challenges facing the nation, he assured party members that he has the capacity to lead the APC to victory if elected flagbearer.
Macauley also stated that, if he becomes president, he would not terminate contracts already signed by the government with institutions and individuals, and that he would ensure the physical safety of party members. He pledged to lead the fight for electoral justice, insisting that the party deserves answers on how the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone proceeded to announce a president while vote tallying was still ongoing at polling centers.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow chairpersons, Chairman Kasho Holland Cole said that Ady Macauley has consistently shown respect to the party executives, which is why they are now showing him support. He explained that Macauley officially invited them to his declaration ceremony, which is why they attended. Chairman Cole described Macauley as humble, respectful, and fearless, qualities he said would make him a good president. He added that the executives are observing all aspirants who have shown interest in leading the party in 2028 and will recommend to delegates the candidate who demonstrates the right attitude and leadership qualities. He also noted that Macauley has shown strong support for the Western Area executives, who, in turn, will support him, especially at this time.
Madam Jariatu Smith, speaking on behalf of former and current Members of Parliament of the party, said Ady Macauley has shown recognition for all party structures and demonstrated that unity is a priority. She highlighted his efforts in bringing together former Vice President Alhaji Chief Sam-Sumana, Chernor Maju Bah (Chericoco), Mohamed Omodu Bah (Jagaban), and Osman A. Timbo, who are all fellow flagbearer aspirants.
She urged party members to prioritize the interests of the APC over individual ambitions, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is for the party to reclaim State House. Madam Smith noted that the experience of serving as Members of Parliament shows their ability to run elections, as well as their resilience and strength over the years. She concluded by stating that Ady Macauley has already begun to demonstrate strong leadership, which she believes is exactly what the party needs.
