Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, popularly known as Chericoco, is steadily emerging as a formidable contender to lead the All People’s Congress (APC) into the 2028 presidential election, with supporters presenting him as the party’s strongest prospect for unity, credibility and victory.
The seasoned lawyer, former parliamentary opposition leader and two-time vice-presidential candidate has reportedly signaled his intention to contest for the APC flagbearer position. His emergence is generating growing interest as the main opposition party prepares to make one of the most consequential leadership decisions in its history.
Campaign materials circulating publicly carry the slogan, “Our Party, Our Pride, Chericoco By Our Side!”, a message that places party loyalty, unity and collective responsibility at the centre of his political ambition.
Supporters believe Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah’s experience, temperament and nationwide political recognition distinguish him in an expected field of senior APC aspirants. They describe him as a steady hand and unifying trailblazer capable of rebuilding confidence within the party and extending its appeal beyond traditional political strongholds.
Having served as the APC’s vice-presidential candidate alongside Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara in the 2018 and 2023 general elections, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah has participated in two demanding nationwide campaigns. Those experiences have given him direct exposure to the political concerns and development aspirations of citizens across Sierra Leone.
His political journey has also included years of parliamentary service, during which he rose to become Leader of the Opposition. In that position, he acquired considerable experience in legislative affairs, constitutional governance, public accountability and the management of competing political interests.
Many of his supporters describe him as a politician whose influence is grounded in substance rather than spectacle. His calm disposition, measured public communication and commitment to democratic processes have contributed to his image as a disciplined leader capable of remaining composed under political pressure.
That quality was particularly evident following the disputed outcome of the 2023 presidential election. Despite the disappointment among APC supporters, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah maintained his composure and commitment to peaceful and democratic engagement. His admirers cite that period as evidence of maturity, restraint and statesmanship.
For more than two decades, Chericoco has remained closely associated with the APC through its periods in Government and opposition. At a time when political loyalties often shift according to circumstances, his continued commitment to the party has become one of the strongest pillars of his flagbearer appeal.
Supporters argue that the APC now needs a leader who understands its history, appreciates the sacrifices of its grassroots membership and possesses the capacity to bring together its different interests. They believe Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah combines loyalty with experience and offers a leadership style that can reconcile competing factions after the flagbearer contest.
One of his most frequently cited strengths is humility. Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah has reportedly prayed publicly for other flagbearer aspirants, an uncommon gesture in a fiercely competitive political environment. Party members who witnessed the gesture interpreted it as a demonstration of maturity and an indication that he places the APC’s collective interest above personal ambition.
His message of “One Nation, One Destiny” similarly seeks to rise above ethnic, regional and sectional divisions. Although born in Freetown, his supporters maintain that his political relationships and public engagements extend across the East, South, North, North-West and Western Area.
At a recent APC gathering at the Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown, supporters portrayed him as a national leader who spoke about Sierra Leone’s development, unity and democratic future instead of concentrating entirely on his personal political ambitions.
His leadership philosophy has consistently presented public office as an opportunity to serve. “I’m your captain. I’m your general. I’m ready to be your commander-in-chief,” he told supporters, reinforcing his readiness to provide direction while depending on the collective strength of party members.
Those backing his candidacy say Chericoco is not a politician who appears only when elections are approaching. They point to his sustained engagement with communities, young people, educational initiatives and democratic causes as proof of a political life shaped by continuity rather than convenience.
As the APC’s lower-level elections and internal reorganization continue, the flagbearer contest is expected to intensify. The eventual nominee will face the demanding responsibility of uniting the party, developing a convincing national programme and persuading voters that the APC offers a credible alternative Government.
Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah’s previous appearances on the party’s presidential ticket could prove valuable in that process. He already possesses considerable name recognition, understands the pressures of national campaigning and has established relationships with party structures across the country.
His supporters insist that popularity alone will not be sufficient to return the APC to State House. The party will require discipline, strategy, credibility and a candidate capable of earning the confidence of voters beyond its established base.
They believe Chericoco offers those qualities and represents a bridge between the APC’s proud traditions and the expectations of a new generation demanding accountable, inclusive and people-centred leadership.
The case being advanced for Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah is therefore built around loyalty, experience, humility and national appeal. His supporters see him as a leader who has earned respect through service and consistency rather than political noise.
With the flagbearer race gathering momentum, Chericoco is positioning himself as the candidate of unity and renewal. For those rallying behind his campaign, the message is unequivocal: the vision is clear, the moment has arrived and Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah is the right choice to lead the APC to State House in 2028.
