By Foday Moriba Conteh
As Sierra Leone prepares for the 2028 multi-tier elections, momentum is steadily building within the All People’s Congress (APC) around Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, popularly known as Chericoco. Many within the party and beyond see him as the most credible, tested and trusted figure to lead the APC back into governance after years in opposition.
For decades, Hon. Chericoco has been more than just a politician; he has been the embodiment of loyalty, resilience and consistency in a party that has weathered significant political storms. At times when many walked away from the APC, he stood firm with the grassroots. He invested his time, resources and energy into sustaining party structures, financing critical activities and providing inspiration to supporters. In the darkest days of opposition, he remained the torchbearer, holding the faith for the APC base. Now, his supporters say, this same spirit is what Sierra Leone urgently needs if the nation is to reclaim its lost political glory.
What sets Hon. Chericoco apart is his human touch. Unlike many political elites who are seen as detached from the realities of ordinary citizens, Chericoco has cultivated deep bonds with the grassroots. He listens, he engages and he walks side by side with the people. This accessibility and humility have made him not only respected but also genuinely loved across constituencies.
Political analysts argue that the APC cannot afford experiments in 2028. The party requires a leader who has proven himself through loyalty, courage and dedication; someone who can unite its various factions and appeal to voters across Sierra Leone’s diverse regions. To many, Hon. Chericoco represents that balance: a seasoned politician who commands respect at the highest levels while still retaining a common touch that resonates with ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Born on April 29, 1972, Hon. Chericoco is a lawyer by profession and one of Sierra Leone’s most experienced lawmakers. His political career has been marked by steady progression and meaningful contributions. He has served as a three-term Member of Parliament, a Deputy Speaker of Parliament and as Leader of the Opposition; roles that placed him at the very heart of national decision-making.
Notably, he was the running mate to Dr. Samura Kamara in both the 2018 and 2023 general elections. His repeated selection for such a role underscores the trust and confidence he commands within the APC. Over the years, he has not only helped shape party strategy but has also been a driving force in positioning the APC as a party that values inclusivity, transparency and national unity.
In a country where political and regional divisions often shape electoral outcomes, Hon. Chericoco’s appeal is seen as uniquely broad. His ability to bring together people of different backgrounds; regional, ethnic and religious, has earned him admiration across the political spectrum. Within the APC, this quality makes him a strong contender for flagbearer, as he is considered capable of galvanizing support beyond traditional strongholds.
His marriage to a woman from Kenema District, in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Region, also provides a strategic electoral advantage. It strengthens his connection to a region that is often seen as decisive in national politics, adding to his national appeal and bridging a gap that has historically challenged the APC.
Hon. Chericoco has consistently championed youth empowerment and education, recognizing them as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s development. He has advocated for improved educational infrastructure, better access to opportunities and policies that prioritize human capital development. For the APC’s youth base, which represents the energy and strength of the party, his leadership is viewed as a chance to usher in meaningful reforms that secure both the future of the party and the nation.
This commitment has earned him strong loyalty from young people within the APC and beyond, who see in him not just a politician but also a mentor and a builder of the next generation of leaders.
Today, growing numbers of APC stalwarts, youth and political elites agree that Hon. Chernor Ramadan Bah stands out as the party’s best chance at reclaiming State House. His record of loyalty, his vision for an inclusive and prosperous Sierra Leone and his proven ability to lead in difficult times make him, in their eyes, the natural choice for flagbearer.
Supporters emphasize that his leadership transcends rhetoric; his actions over the years have consistently demonstrated commitment, resilience and patriotism. They describe him as a man “red and ready” to guide the APC into a new era of political strength and national transformation.
As the APC approaches its defining moment ahead of the 2028 elections, the call grows louder: the party must choose a tested and trusted leader to restore its fortunes and offer Sierra Leone the leadership it deserves. For many, that leader is Hon. Chericoco; an experienced lawmaker, a grassroots mobilizer and a symbol of unity whose time, they say, has finally come.
