Whilst Dr. Samura Kamara, the Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), ponders on who to choose as running mate, several names have emerged, but it is the opinion of many top brass in the party that he has to make a choice that will be of strategic importance to the APC’s ability to win the June 24th 2023 elections. This, they say, could be the reason for the delay in naming a running mate.
In an exclusive interview with Alieu Mohamed Sesay, popularly known as ‘Thope’, a senior member of the APC, Former Chairman of Logistics of the APC and also former Chairman of APC on Target, he said that the choice of running mate should depend on the strategic importance of the current regional balance, and what it would mean for the party.
He disclosed that Mayor Aki-Sawyer summed up the running mate choice as simply an invitation and not an election, and that any of the names that have emerged are equally qualified to be running mate, but not all will be chosen. Only one individual out of the rest will be chosen, after which, all others are expected to throw their support behind both the flag-bearer and running mate.
Alieu Sesay maintained that though the APC is not short of qualified members for the running mate position, yet the choice should be done in respect of the strategic importance of such a choice. In the case of all the candidates, Sam Sumana is the possible choice, when it comes to the strategic importance of his base (Kono). The APC needs Kono to challenge the ruling party, which is currently courting the district, adding that this is an indication of the strategic importance of Kono to the outcome of the elections. The SLPP’s running mate is not from the district, hence the constant courting of Kono by almost all the top brass in the SLPP, but the advantage that the APC has among the names of would-be running mates, the name of a son of the soil, Chief Alhaji Sam Sumana, who commands respect among his people, and has the proclivity to bring Kono votes to the APC.
Thus, with Sam Sumana as Running mate of Dr. Samura Kamara, the APC is assured of overwhelming support from Kono. It should be noted that it is the desire of every district to have their son or daughter at the helm of affairs in the state, and since Kono seems to be the King maker in the coming elections, it is only important that members of the party, including interested running mates, to recognize the strategic importance of Kono to the APC’s victory.
Alieu Mohamed Sesay noted that all those named as possible candidates for the running mate of the party, are all qualified to hold the position, but the choice of running mate depends on the strategic importance of the candidate chosen, and how that candidate can enhance the victory that everybody is yearning for. Sam Sumana can bring a whole district to the APC, a district that the SLPP is struggling to win over.
Some political analysts say that President Bio and team have paid over 10 visits to Kono, in a bid to win the hearts of the people, but what has he got to offer them? At best, some jobs for their sons or daughters, but in the case of the APC, with Sam Sumana as running mate, the people of Kono have a whole Vice President to gain, who will have the power to direct development to the district, and even facilitate employment for sons and daughters of Kono. Kono will then have a son of the soil as the Second Gentleman of the nation.
Alieu Sesay furthered that for the sake of strategic reasons, Sam Sumana could be the best candidate for the running mate of Dr. Samura Kamara, when one considers the importance of that region in the current political landscape, and how the people of Kono will vote for their son than for a stranger from another region.
Alieu Sesay encouraged those whose names have been mentioned as running mate not to lose hope, as the proposition of Sam Sumana as running mate is mainly for strategic reasons and not that he is better than any of them. He admonished them to embrace Sam Sumana, if he is chosen, as it is for the good of the party, and that they should not be discouraged if they are not chosen, adding that they should stay the course and support the APC for victory, as the party’s song dictates.
