Mohamed Bangura Exposed
By Mohamed Kamara
As Sierra Leone gradually moves toward the 2028 multitier elections, political observers and concerned citizens have raised eyebrows over the recent conduct of Hon. Mohamed Bangura, a sitting Member of Parliament under the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC). A photograph making rounds on social media has fueled controversy, showing Hon. Bangura dressed in a T-shirt branded with the inscription: “Presidential Candidate – PDP (Sobeh) – 2028.”
This development has sparked heated debate across the country, with citizens describing it as not only politically dubious but also constitutionally prohibited. According to them, no elected Member of Parliament can, while serving under one political party, openly declare allegiance to another party or show intention to contest under a different banner without formally resigning from their original party.
Many Sierra Leoneans now question the silence of the APC leadership. Critics argue that the party’s failure to take disciplinary action or expel Hon. Bangura over such “disloyal and double-faced behavior” demonstrates a lack of constitutional adherence within the APC. “This kind of conduct brings shame and disrepute to the party both at home and abroad,” one political analyst stated, adding that it paints a troubling picture of party discipline within Sierra Leone’s largest opposition bloc.
PDP’s Strong Reaction
In a swift reaction, Alhaji Ben Kamara, Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Sobeh, dismissed any notion that Hon. Bangura has the authority or legitimacy to represent their party in upcoming elections. “Hon. Mohamed Bangura’s actions only confirm our long-standing position that the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has emboldened certain individuals to disrespect party constitutions,” he said.
Alhaji Kamara recalled that the PDP has suffered years of humiliation at the hands of both the PPRC and opportunistic politicians. He drew attention to the party’s troubled history following the 2012 elections, when its former chairman, the late Prince Coker, was indicted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over misappropriation of party funds. Although Prince Coker pleaded guilty and refunded the money, the PDP leadership at the time deemed his actions a gross violation of the party’s constitution and expelled him from the party.
Despite this expulsion, the PPRC allegedly continued to recognize Prince Coker, facilitating his controversial rise to the chairmanship of the All Political Parties Association (APPA). According to the PDP Secretary General, the Commission went further to endorse “parallel structures” within the PDP, handpicking individuals recommended by Coker who were never legitimately registered members of the party. “All official correspondence and recognition due to the legitimate party leadership were instead channeled to these parallel structures,” he lamented.
Judiciary Intervention Ignored
Alhaji Ben Kamara also accused the PPRC of defying the directives of the judiciary, which had ordered the Commission to address the party’s grievances and resolve the leadership impasse amicably. “The PPRC has persistently ignored judicial guidance and continues to frustrate our legitimate leadership,” he asserted. He further revealed that the PDP has since petitioned the international community and diplomatic corps, seeking redress over what he described as “unfair treatment” from the Commission.
PDP Members Reject Bangura
Turning back to Hon. Mohamed Bangura’s alleged presidential ambition under the PDP banner, Alhaji Ben Kamara was categorical: “We want to make it clear—Hon. Mohamed Bangura is not, and has never been, a registered member of the PDP. He cannot and will not be allowed to contest under our ticket. Our party is guided by a constitution, and no individual, no matter how influential, is above the law.”
Grassroots members of the PDP have also vowed to resist any attempt to impose Hon. Bangura on their party. They insist that the PDP remains committed to restoring its image, building structures across the country, and presenting credible leadership for the 2028 elections.
Citizens’ Verdict
Meanwhile, citizens across social and political divides have expressed disappointment over the unfolding drama. Some see Hon. Bangura’s maneuvers as “political opportunism,” while others argue that his actions amount to betrayal of the APC party and a mockery of Sierra Leone’s democratic process.
“This is the type of politics that undermines democracy,” one citizen fumed. “If our leaders cannot respect the rules of the game, how do they expect ordinary people to trust them with the presidency?”
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the APC leadership, the PPRC, and the PDP itself to see how this political controversy will be handled. One thing is certain: the road to 2028 has already begun on a stormy note, and Hon. Mohamed Bangura’s controversial political maneuvers have added a new layer of intrigue to Sierra Leone’s unfolding democratic journey.
