The two leading political parties in the country, the governing Sierra Leone Peopleโs Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All Peopleโs Congress (APC) will sooner rather than later, elect their Presidential candidates for crucial general elections in 2028.
In the All Peopleโs Congress (APC), there are six front runners for the post of flag bearer. The six front runners are Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, John Bornoh Sesay, Dr. Kaifala Marah, Alhaji Sam Sumana, Joseph Fidgerald Kamara and Dr. Samura Kamara.
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray is the current National Chairman of the APC. He doubles as Leader of the party. He hails from the North but grew up in the Western Area. He belongs to the powerful Temne tribe with very strong ties in the Western Area. He is humble and very pious and wields enormous influence in the Muslim and business community.
John Bornoh Sesay is a Northerner from the Limba tribe. He grew up in the Western Area. He is currently the richest flag bearer aspirant in the APC. He has strong ties in the Western Area and highly connected to several APC support groups.
Dr. Kaifala Marah hails from the North. He grew up in Koidu town. His family has strong roots in Kono district. He is a Koranko by tribe. He is young and affable. He cuts across party line.
Alhaji Chief Sam Sumana served as Vice President of this country. He hails from Kono district. He is a Muslim and still enjoys a groundswell of sympathy within the APC. He is now a global peace Ambassador.
Joseph F. Kamara is a Lawyer. He hails from the North but grew up in the Western Area. Joseph Kamara belongs to the influential Temne tribe. He is the lead defence counsel for former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and several APC members facing legal actions in court. He has strong ties in the Western Area particularly among the working class given his connections to Fourah Bay College.
Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara is a Temne/Loko from the North. He spent his adult life in the Western Area. He has contested and lost two Presidential elections in a row. Many people are asking whether the APC will give him a third chance.
Dr Samura Kamaraโs relationship with the APC national executive and his political Godfather and mentor is nothing to write home about.
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray and John Bornoh Sesay appear to be the two leading flag bearer aspirants in the APC, according to reliable sources within the APC, both at home and abroad.
We will in due course feature the likes of Lawyer Abubakar Kalokoh, Hon. Chernoh Maju Bah alias Chericoco, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, Diana Konomanyi, Alhaji Kemoh Sesay and Alimamy Petito Koroma as possible flag bearer aspirants.
This paper will continue to provide analysis on front runners in the two leading political parties for the most prized political position in the country.
