‘WE ARE NOT SELFISH POLITICIANS’ …Dr Ibrahim Bangura pledges continued support for APC grassroots members

By Nelson Adebayo Johnson
FREETOWN — Dr Ibrahim Bangura has pledged that his movement will not abandon its supporters, declaring that political leadership must be rooted in service rather than selfish interests.
“We are not selfish politicians,” Bangura told All People’s Congress (APC) delegates and grassroots members at a thank-you brunch held at the Secretariat office in Wilberforce, Freetown.
Organised by the DIB Intentional Ladies for APC West-West District delegates, the gathering brought together the leadership of the Dr Ibrahim Bangura (DIB) Movement, successful candidates and supporters to celebrate their contributions to the party’s internal electoral process.
Bangura described the occasion as a family meeting rather than a campaign event, saying its purpose was to congratulate those elected and recognise the efforts of supporters.
“I called you here today because I want to congratulate you. Congratulations to us. We are not selfish politicians,” he said.
Bangura pledged continued support for party members, stressing that internal competition should not leave individuals or communities feeling excluded. He said the leadership he envisaged would recognise the contributions of those who narrowly missed out, as well as those who secured positions.
“When I am given the responsibility, I want to help those who came close,” he said.
He thanked supporters for their loyalty and assured them that the DIB Movement would remain committed to their welfare and political aspirations. Karrow Kamara Esq., a senior member of the movement, reinforced that assurance, telling delegates and supporters that the leadership would stand by them “come rain, come shine”.
“No matter what, we are here for you. Just stay with us and stand with us, and we will all achieve this victory by the grace of God,” Kamara said.
Bangura also urged aspirants and supporters to maintain peace and discipline, warning that competition for political office should never become a justification for destroying another person’s reputation.
He said electoral success should be built on hard work, character and ideas—not falsehoods, personal attacks or division.
Describing the APC as one family, he urged members to protect party unity before, during and after internal elections. He reminded them that they would need one another to contest national elections and govern. Bangura also expressed confidence that he would lead the APC to State House.
Reflecting on his political beginnings, he told the gathering that he became a ward chairman in 2000 while still at school and under the age of 18. He recalled openly identifying with the APC despite being discouraged from doing so. Addressing the gathering, Sylvester Sheku Swaray, popularly known as Triple S, praised supporters from the South-East for their sacrifices, courage and commitment to the party.
“We have laid a foundation, and we expect you to build on it,” Swaray said. “You should be proud because only you know the magnitude of the struggle you have gone through.”
He argued that the party was moving away from a system in which leadership decisions rested with a few individuals towards one that recognised members for their work and contributions.
“What we are witnessing now is that people are being recognised for what they have done for this party,” he said.
Swaray also reflected on his service as Deputy Regional Chairman in the South and his aspiration to become Deputy National Secretary-General. He urged members to work together and choose the right leadership.
Representatives of the West District thanked the DIB Movement for its support and solidarity, saying grassroots members wanted leadership that would remember those who stood with it during difficult times. They also described the movement’s engagement with supporters as peaceful and based on persuasion rather than coercion.
“People were simply encouraged to come peacefully,” one representative said. The gathering ended with chants of “APC!” and renewed pledges of solidarity and party unity.