By Juma Mubarak
As the All People’s Congress (APC) prepares for its critical 2026 National Delegates Conference to select a flagbearer for the 2028 elections, the stakes could not be higher. The decision will determine whether the APC returns to power or remains in opposition. This is no time for political experiments or leadership guesswork—experience, vision, and tested leadership are essential.
That’s why Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, commonly known as Chericoco, is the right choice. He is more than just a candidate; he remains the bridge between APC’s accomplished past and its promising future. With his deep institutional knowledge, political acumen, and broad national appeal, Chericoco stands ready to lead the party into 2028.
His political journey didn’t start with APC’s 2007 victory. It began in the mid-1990s, during the party’s most trying years following the return of democratic governance in 1996—a time when associating with APC was seen as a political risk. But Chericoco was there, helping to rebuild the party brick by brick when others hesitated. From volunteering as a polling agent and joining campaign teams to serving as a three-time Member of Parliament, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and Leader of Delegation of Sierra Leone’s Representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering loyalty and competence.
Chericoco is a battle-tested leader who has earned his stripes the hard way. Over the years, he has endured a barrage of well-orchestrated blackmail attempts, malicious smear campaigns, and relentless media attacks—tactics designed to tarnish his reputation and weaken his resolve. But through it all, he stood firm. He refused to be intimidated or distracted from his mission of service. His resilience and unyielding dedication in the face of adversity are a testament to his character and his readiness to lead on a larger stage.
Chericoco knows these attacks won’t stop—experienced leaders don’t crack easily—and he understands that more will come. Yet, he remains more than ready to address them when the time is right.
His influence goes far beyond APC’s traditional strongholds. Through his philanthropic initiatives—providing scholarships, educational materials, healthcare support, youth development programs, sports sponsorships, and women’s empowerment—he has left a tangible impact on communities across Sierra Leone. From Bo to Makeni, Kenema to Port Loko, Kono to Kambia, Koinadugu to Pujehun, Bonthe to Tonkolili, Kailahun to Freetown, Moyamba to Falaba, Rutile to Kamakwie, his hands-on engagement has fostered trust, goodwill, and respect.
The 2028 elections will be fiercely contested, and the APC needs a candidate with real-world experience and proven leadership. APC’s 2007 landslide victory wasn’t accidental; it was the result of Ernest Bai Koroma’s governance expertise and private-sector background. Chericoco was part of that success. He actively participated in policy discussions, parliamentary processes, and grassroots mobilization efforts—and he understands the strategies that resonated with voters.
Sierra Leone’s political landscape is unforgiving. The SLPP is closely watching, hoping APC will make a critical mistake by selecting an untested, disconnected, or tainted candidate. But Chericoco, with his unblemished public record, institutional knowledge, and grassroots credibility, stands as the strongest contender to deliver APC’s comeback.
Chericoco isn’t just a politician; he is a unifier. He has the ability to bring the party together, build consensus, and encourage teamwork—traits that will be crucial if APC is to form a government capable of delivering from day one in office.
Chericoco is the bridge connecting the EBK era to APC’s promising future. The party cannot afford to get it wrong. The cost of a misstep is immense; the reward for getting it right is APC’s triumphant return to governance in 2028.