APC flagbearer aspirant, Dr Ibrahim Bangura has called for healing, unity and renewal within the All People’s Congress (APC), as he engaged party members and Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora during a town hall meeting in London on Friday, 11th September 2026.
Held at the JK Banquet Hall in Forest Hill, the event also marked the official launch of the DIB Iron Ladies APC UK & Ireland, a women-led support group established in support of Dr Bangura’s flagbearer bid. The gathering brought together APC supporters and members of the Sierra Leonean community for political engagement, with Dr Bangura outlining his leadership vision and responding to questions from participants.
At the heart of his address was his campaign message, “Heal. Unite. Build.” - a theme he said reflects both his vision for the APC and his broader aspirations for Sierra Leone.
Dr Bangura stressed that the internal flagbearer contest should not permanently divide the party, noting that members have the democratic right to support different aspirants while urging mutual respect throughout the process.
“There can only be one eventual flagbearer, but there must remain one APC,” he said, adding that whoever emerges must have the responsibility to rebuild relationships across the party rather than deepen divisions.
He said his ambition was not simply to win the contest, but to ensure that the APC emerges stronger, more united and capable of pursuing its political objectives collectively.
Explaining his three-pillar message, Dr Bangura said healing is necessary because the APC cannot confidently move forward while carrying unnecessary divisions; unity requires recognising that no individual, faction or aspirant is greater than the party; and building means creating a stronger and broader political movement after the contest.
He also linked the message to the wider national context, arguing that Sierra Leone needs leadership capable of reducing political tensions, building bridges and promoting sustainable development through greater opportunities for young people, women’s empowerment, stronger institutions and improved livelihoods.
Dr Bangura also spoke about the important role women have played in his life and said women should not be treated merely as an electoral mobilisation base. He described them as leaders, organisers, professionals, entrepreneurs, mothers and mentors, stressing the need for greater opportunities for women and young people to participate in the future leadership of the APC.
He also presented himself as a bridge between generations, saying the party must respect the sacrifices and wisdom of its elders while creating pathways for young people, women, professionals and the diaspora to contribute meaningfully.
Dr Bangura pointed to more than two decades of experience in governance, peacebuilding and development across Sierra Leone, Africa and internationally, but said experience alone does not make an effective leader. Character, judgement and temperament, he argued, are equally important. Describing himself as calm and consultative, he said leaders can listen, disagree and remain decisive without attacking others.
He urged his supporters to challenge him and tell him when they believe he is wrong, while appealing to undecided members and those supporting other aspirants to examine his record, character and leadership qualities before making their judgement.
Dr Bangura said he wants to win the flagbearer contest but stressed that the future of the APC must take precedence over individual ambition. If entrusted with leadership, he pledged to reach out to supporters and opponents alike, including elders, young people, women, grassroots members and the diaspora.
Concluding his address, he described his leadership offer as “experience without entitlement, confidence without arrogance, calmness without weakness, renewal without disrespect for our history, and ambition without division.”
His message from London was clear: Heal the divisions, unite the APC and build a stronger future for the party and Sierra Leone.
*_@DIB Movement Media & Comms Team_*