Politics and governance are two distinct concepts, with politics being the rightful mother of governance. This distinction is evident as the decision-making processes and mentalities of the two are different and autonomous. As Sierra Leone grapples with stagflation, characterised by high unemployment, inflation, and economic crises, there is an urgent need for quality leadership.
In considering the leadership choice for the APC in the upcoming 2028 presidential election, as well as the SLPP party’s candidate, it’s crucial to address the concerns raised by the incumbent. The SLPP believes that the party’s irregular structure and reliance on misleading figures will supposedly secure an unseen, or perhaps imaginary, electoral victory. Conversely, the APC is searching for a “David” to defeat the “Goliath,” and that individual is Hon. Chericoco. He not only possesses the experience needed to overcome his opponent but also carries the blessings of the APC’s supporters.
For too long, the APC has maintained a leadership culture that favours candidate who genuinely understands the dynamics of the party’s structure and system. This contrasts sharply with Karene Samu, who led the APC to two unsuccessful elections while making negative remarks about his party, claiming that “power is not a do-or-die affair.” The upcoming 2028 general elections require an APC leader who is bold and capable of restoring Sierra Leone’s lost glory and the party’s battered reputation.
Recently, supporters and elders of the APC stated, “We can’t come from the frying pan to the fire.” This clearly indicates that a leader like Karene Samu should not be repeated. A candidate lacking the necessary experience, loyalty, and understanding of the party’s structure cannot garner the support needed to lead effectively. In this context, Hon. Chericoco stands out as the most suitable candidate. He has the experience to lead the party during political crises, and he has navigated opposition challenges, including the bullying against APC members of parliament and former political appointees under former President Ernest Koroma.
The APC is not a party built on trial-and-error leadership; it requires a leader with the political experience and capabilities to win elections and unify the party. Can the APC afford to grant power to someone who cannot earn the loyalty and attention of colleagues and elders upon assuming leadership? The answer is no. It is essential for a leader to be respectful, humble, and capable of gaining the support and blessings of the elders and supporters of the APC.
It is increasingly disrespectful to former President Ernest Bai Koroma for individuals to falsely use his name to validate their lazy aspirations for leadership within the APC. Relying on a false campaign that invokes Koroma’s name politically disqualifies someone from leading the APC in the 2028 elections. As it’s said in “Things Fall Apart,” “When a man blasphemes, what do we do? Do we go and stop his mouth? No, we put our fingers in our ears to avoid hearing.” This illustrates how a respectful and loyal leader operates. While every lie counts, integrity and experience must take centre stage, and so the key protagonist in the political drama stage to appease political spectators from the other team to deserve their votes, is Hon. Chericoco, who listens, learns, takes advice and makes himself available.
