By Ibrahim Sesay
As Sierra Leone approaches another defining electoral cycle, internal political calculations are intensifying ahead of the 2026 National Delegate Conference (NDC) and the 2028 general elections. Across the country, citizens continue to voice concerns about economic pressures, rising living costs and the need for leadership that combines competence with long-term vision. Within this climate, the spotlight has increasingly turned to Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, widely known as Chericoco, as a figure many party faithful describe as methodical, strategic and structurally prepared for national leadership.
Political observers note that in Sierra Leone’s electoral history, victories are rarely spontaneous. They are built gradually through internal cohesion, disciplined organization and sustained grassroots engagement. As the party navigates its primaries toward the decisive 2026 NDC, delegates are not merely selecting a candidate; they are determining who can manage a complex political pipeline stretching toward 2028.
Within this broader strategic conversation, Chericoco’s political trajectory is often described as deliberate rather than reactive. Analysts within party structures point to his reputation for quiet coalition-building and consensus work ;attributes seen as essential in preventing internal fragmentation before a national contest. His approach, they argue, reflects a long-game understanding of Sierra Leonean politics, where unity within the party often determines strength at the ballot box.
Grassroots credibility remains central to electoral mathematics in Sierra Leone. From ward executives to youth groups and women’s networks, durable relationships often shape delegate behavior at the NDC. Chericoco’s engagement across those grassroots layers has been characterized as steady and sustained rather than episodic. Supporters contend that such embedded political capital may prove decisive as internal structures weigh loyalty, trust and organizational readiness.
Beyond strategy, Chericoco’s governance profile distinguishes him within the current leadership field. His public service spans the judicial, executive and legislative arms of Government; an experience few contemporary politicians can claim in equal measure. Beginning his professional journey in the judiciary as a legal practitioner and later Magistrate, he developed a grounding in due process, accountability and institutional discipline. Those formative years, associates say, shaped his structured approach to governance.
His transition into executive politics as Deputy Leader and Presidential Running Mate of the All People’s Congress (APC) placed him at the center of national political strategy. In that role, he engaged stakeholders across sectors and regions, earning a reputation for measured analysis and calm political engagement during critical moments.
However, it was within Parliament that Chericoco solidified much of his institutional legacy. As Member of Parliament and later Deputy Speaker, he was associated with strengthening parliamentary oversight and promoting procedural order. Colleagues frequently describe his tenure as marked by firmness balanced with diplomacy; qualities that helped maintain stability in periods of intense political contestation.
Political analysts argue that this cross-branch experience offers a governance bridge rarely seen in Sierra Leone’s political landscape. Understanding how the judiciary interprets law, how the executive implements policy and how the legislature scrutinizes governance provides a holistic vantage point that may be advantageous in national leadership.
Equally emphasized by supporters is his leadership temperament. Chericoco is widely regarded as calm, approachable and consensus-driven. In a political climate often characterized by polarization, this style is presented as an asset capable of expanding coalition appeal beyond traditional party strongholds.
With the party advancing toward the 2026 National Delegates Conference (NDC), internal debate is steadily intensifying around issues of preparedness, unity and electability. For many within party ranks, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah is viewed as a calculated and strategic option; one whose experience, strong grassroots networks and deep institutional understanding align with the long-term objective of securing victory in 2028.
Whether this perception translates into delegate endorsement remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that in a season defined by strategic positioning, Chericoco’s name continues to feature prominently in conversations about the party’s most structured path forward.
