By Ragan M. Conteh
As the All People’s Congress (APC) continues its internal political activities in Tonkolili District, supporters of Aruna Koroma, popularly known as “Space,” are rallying behind his bid for the position of APC’s Tonkolili District Chairman.
Some party members and grassroots supporters across the district say they believe Koroma possesses the experience, temperament and organisational ability required to strengthen the APC’s structures and promote unity among its members.
Supporters describe him as a longstanding party figure who has remained engaged with APC members and communities in Tonkolili over the years.
They argue that his leadership style, accessibility and emphasis on peaceful political engagement make him a strong contender for the district chairmanship.
According to supporters who spoke to this medium, Koroma has consistently advocated peace and internal cohesion within the APC.
They describe him as soft spoken, approachable and accommodating, qualities they believe are particularly important as the party strengthens its structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
His supporters also argue that the next APC District Chairman should be capable of bringing together different interests within the party rather than allowing internal disagreements to weaken its organisation.
For them, the district leadership should focus on rebuilding relationships, strengthening grassroots participation and ensuring that party members across Tonkolili feel represented.
They believe Koroma has demonstrated the willingness to engage different groups and contribute towards maintaining unity within the party.
Tonkolili District continues to be an important political base for the APC.
The party secured substantial representation from the district in the 2023 parliamentary elections, with official parliamentary records listing several APC MPs representing Tonkolili.
For supporters of Koroma, maintaining that political base requires effective grassroots organisation and a district executive capable of resolving internal disagreements while attracting new supporters.
Cimeon Kamara, a supporter from the district, said Tonkolili has historically demonstrated strong support for the APC and argued that the party must protect that political relationship with voters.
“Tonkolili District has always been an important base for the APC. We therefore need leadership that can unite our people, strengthen the party and keep our supporters together,” Kamara said.
He argued that the choice of District Chairman should therefore be based on experience, accessibility and the ability to work across different groups within the party.
Those backing Koroma also point to what they describe as his longstanding relationship with grassroots party members.
They say he has remained accessible to communities and has contributed to party activities and mobilisation within the district.
Supporters believe these relationships could help him manage the competing interests that inevitably arise within a major political organisation.
They also describe his candidacy as an opportunity for a new chapter in the district’s APC leadership, particularly as attention gradually shifts towards preparations for the 2028 elections.
For them, a District Chairman should not simply occupy a party position. The office requires someone capable of maintaining communication between the grassroots and senior party structures, addressing internal grievances and mobilising members around a common political agenda.
As the APC prepares to determine its district leadership, Koroma’s supporters say the contest should remain peaceful and focused on the future of the party.
They argue that whoever emerges as chairman will inherit significant responsibilities, including strengthening constituency and ward structures, promoting internal cohesion, expanding grassroots participation and preparing the party organisation for future elections.
Supporters backing Koroma believe his experience and personality make him suited to that task.
They maintain that his candidacy represents an opportunity to strengthen unity within the APC in Tonkolili and build stronger relationships between party officials and ordinary members.
Ultimately, however, the decision rests with the party members and delegates participating in the APC’s internal electoral process.
For Koroma’s supporters, their position is clear: they believe “Space” has the experience, accessibility and temperament required to provide the kind of district leadership they want for the APC in Tonkolili.
