By Nelson Adebayo Johnson
APC flagbearer hopeful Dr Ibrahim Bangura has declared that his leadership in 2028 will be anchored on youth and women, saying, “The time has come for a new generation to save Sierra Leone.”
Speaking at a consultative meeting with young professionals and women leaders in Freetown on Friday, Dr Bangura said Sierra Leone’s future depends on putting fresh ideas and new energy at the centre of governance.
“The old ways have not delivered enough. If we want a different result in 2028, we must do things differently,” Dr Bangura said. “My government will be full of young people and women because they are the ones with the ideas, the energy, and the courage to transform this nation.”
A GENERATIONAL SHIFT
Dr Bangura argued that youth unemployment, women’s exclusion from decision-making, and lack of innovation are holding the country back.
He outlined that under his leadership, at least 50% of key appointments will go to qualified young people and women. He also promised to invest heavily in skills training, the digital economy, agriculture, and healthcare for women and girls.
“We are not talking about tokenism. We are talking about real power, real responsibility, real results,” he said. “The daughters and sons of market women and bike riders will sit at the table where decisions are made.”
APC’S RENEWAL AGENDA
The APC flagbearer hopeful said the party’s renewal must start with its own structures. He called on delegates to support leadership that reflects the demographics of Sierra Leone — where over 60% of the population is under 35.
“This is not about age alone. It is about mindset. It is about service. It is about saving Sierra Leone,” Dr Bangura stated. “Together with the youth and women, we will build a Sierra Leone that works for everyone.”
Party 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.
