The presumptive APC flagbearer, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has called for unity, discipline and mutual respect within the All People’s Congress (APC), as he continued his engagement with party stakeholders and traditional leaders in Port Loko District.

Addressing party supporters during a brief engagement in Port Loko City on Monday, October 5 2026, Dr. Bangura expressed delight at being among the people of the district, describing Port Loko as a critical constituency in the history and future of the APC.

He congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the recent constituency elections, while extending words of encouragement to those who were unsuccessful. He stressed that political contests within the party should not create permanent divisions, noting that those who lost should not feel marginalised because the competition was among members of the same political family.

Dr. Bangura urged all stakeholders to work collectively to preserve peace and strengthen the party, particularly in Port Loko, which he described as the birthplace of the APC. He appealed to delegates to respect one another in their decision-making and to support the district and regional executives who would emerge from the ongoing electoral processes.

Speaking about his own flagbearer ambition, Dr. Bangura said he was confident of emerging victorious, not out of arrogance, but because of the hard work and deliberate strategy underpinning his campaign. He said his ultimate objective was to unite the party and ensure that all factions and supporters are brought together for the APC's success in the 2028 elections.
He emphasised that his approach to politics was deliberate and forward-looking because he wanted an APC that would emerge from the National Delegates Convention stronger, more united and more disciplined.

Earlier, Dr. Bangura paid courtesy calls on Paramount Chief Bai Forkie Fainka II of Maforkie Chiefdom and Paramount Chief Adekalie Mella III of Bakeh Loko Chiefdom, where he reaffirmed his respect for traditional institutions, elders, culture and customary leadership.

Paramount Chief Fainka II commended Dr. Bangura for what he described as a precedent-setting gesture of paying respect to traditional leaders, urging him to sustain the practice. He assured the aspirant that his doors would remain open to him and expressed appreciation for the visit.

Dr. Bangura, in response, said his visit was motivated by his deep respect for tradition, culture and elders. He expressed pleasure at meeting the Paramount Chief and acknowledged the quality of people and political leadership associated with Port Loko District.

At his subsequent meeting with Paramount Chief Adekalie Mella III, Dr. Bangura similarly underscored the importance of recognising and respecting traditional authorities, describing the visit as an effort to sow a positive seed for his political journey.

The Paramount Chief described Dr. Bangura as the first flagbearer aspirant to pay him a courtesy call, expressing his appreciation and admiration for the gesture. He prayed for and blessed Dr. Bangura, wishing him success in his political endeavours.

The engagements further highlighted Dr. Bangura's stated commitment to a non-discriminatory approach to politics, with commendation for his willingness to engage supporters of different aspirants and encourage an inclusive political process.

*@DIB Movement Media and Comms Team*
*05/10/26*