By Ragan M. Conteh

In 2018 there were almost 27 members of the All People’s Congress (APC) party that contested for the flag bearer position of the party.

In 2023, that number was reduced to 20 flag bearers that contested.

A Member of Parliament (name withheld) told this medium that, so far a total of 28 APC stalwarts, have expressed keen interests for the party’s flagship position.

He said dozens more of the 30 members in total, have contacted him as others have already shown face.

He maintained that others are still working in the background ready to show up for the country’s top most position running for presidency.

The MP identified the few politicians who have interest for the party’s flag post, and they include: Hon. Chernor Maju Bah aka Chericoco, Mohamed Ormodu Kamara aka Jagaban, Chief Alhaji Samuel Sam Sumana, Dr Richard Konteh, JFK, Bai Mamoud, Mark Mamoud Kalokoh, Dr. Kelfala Marah, Osman Timbo, Kemoh Sesay, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Paul Kamara, Ady Macauley among many others.

He said what is unique about APC  party is that this coming elections, unlike the past ones, women have also expressed interests to challenge men in the APC ring.

Adding that those women that have shown interest include: the APC women’s leader Mariama Lowe Bangura, Dr Sylvia Olayika Blyden, Madina Rahman, Yvonne Aki Sawyer, Diana Konomanyi, Zainab Hawa Bangura from the UN while many other women are in the pipeline.

And so the MP stated that the 2026 APC convention will have more women as flag beares who are ready to face dirty politics contest.

The women have specially shown interest because the Gender Empowerment Act has been passed into Law.

A female APC MPs have also expressed interest to contest for the flagship of the APC, stating that this time is their chance to be seen.

At the APC Northwest region dinner recently organized in Port Loko Town, the APC women’s leader, Mariama Lowe Bangura called for women to support their colleagues in the forthcoming 2028 general elections.

Mariama Lowe Bangura said women have far too long stagnated at some corners due to the discrimination and violence.

But, he went on, today the GEWE Act has given more space for women in APC to contest for any positions in the party.

She however called for  women support and be voted in to be able to take up responsible  positions in governance.

Diana Konomani has recently in Makeni called for unity and peace so that women can take responsibility and lead the front seat in politics and in governance.

She highlighted the need for more space be provided for women in governance for the development of Sierra Leone.

In several occasions, Mayor Aki Sawyer has been expressing her commitment to promoting women’s empowerment.

The Transform Freetown Project has embraced more women than men, especially on the cleaning and other projects being implemented by her and her team.