Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, widely known as Chericoco, continues to strengthen his position as one of the leading contenders for the All People’s Congress (APC) presidential flagbearer race ahead of the party’s preparations for the 2028 general elections. A veteran lawyer, Parliamentarian and senior APC stalwart, Chericoco’s growing political activities have intensified discussions among party members and supporters about the future direction of the main opposition party.
Chericoco has built a distinguished political career spanning several years, earning recognition for his service in Parliament and his leadership within the APC. A graduate of Fourah Bay College and the Sierra Leone Law School, he began his career as a legal practitioner before transitioning into politics, where he established himself as one of the party’s most influential figures.
Throughout his political journey, he has served as Member of Parliament for Constituency 126 in the Western Urban District and occupied several high-profile leadership positions, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Majority Leader and Leader of the Opposition. His prominence within the APC was further reinforced when he was selected as the party’s vice-presidential running mate to Dr. Samura Kamara during both the 2018 and 2023 presidential elections.
In October 2024, Chericoco officially handed over his responsibilities as APC Deputy Leader, a move widely viewed by political observers as part of his strategic preparations to pursue the party’s presidential flagbearer position ahead of the 2028 elections.
Supporters say his declaration of interest has generated renewed enthusiasm within sections of the APC, with many describing him as a leader capable of uniting the party and strengthening its electoral prospects. They argue that his extensive experience in governance, parliamentary leadership, and legal affairs has equipped him with the skills necessary to lead the party into the next electoral cycle.
Many of his supporters believe Chericoco represents a new chapter for the APC, pointing to his emphasis on dialogue, constitutional governance, youth empowerment, accountability and national unity. They describe him as a disciplined and approachable leader who has consistently advocated peaceful political engagement while remaining committed to democratic principles.
According to supporters, Chericoco’s political reputation extends beyond the capital, with recognition across districts and among Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora. They maintain that his years of public service have earned him widespread respect and positioned him as one of the APC’s most experienced leaders.
His supporters further express confidence that he is the candidate best positioned to secure the APC’s presidential flagbearer nomination. They believe that, if chosen by party delegates, he would lead a united campaign capable of returning the APC to State House in the 2028 general elections. That expectation reflects the aspirations of his supporters and will ultimately depend on the outcome of both the APC’s internal democratic process and the national elections.
Beyond partisan politics, Chericoco has also received recognition for his contributions to democratic governance, peacebuilding and human rights advocacy. Those achievements, supporters say, reinforce his credentials as a statesman committed to national development and inclusive leadership.
As the APC gradually shifts its focus toward selecting its next presidential candidate, political attention is expected to remain firmly on Chericoco and other prospective contenders. Party delegates will ultimately decide who carries the APC banner into the 2028 elections, a decision widely regarded as one of the most consequential in the party’s recent history.
For many APC supporters, however, Chericoco has already emerged as a leading figure in the conversation about the party’s future. They believe his experience, leadership record and vision for national development make him a strong contender for the flagbearer position and express optimism that he can guide the APC into a competitive 2028 presidential campaign.
