By Yusufu Abu Sesay
The leading aspirant for the All Peoples Congress (APC) flagbearer position, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has expressed strong interest in Sierra Leone’s ongoing constitutional reform process, calling for a people-centred, inclusive, and non-partisan approach to the drafting of a new national constitution.

In a statement issued last week, Dr. Bangura said he is closely monitoring developments surrounding the reform process, stressing that a national constitution must be drafted in good faith and designed to serve the interests of every Sierra Leonean.
According to him, the constitution should not only address present governance challenges but also anticipate future national needs, especially in light of the country’s historical experiences.
He emphasized that for the reform to guarantee long-term stability, it must be inclusive, free from political manoeuvring, and guided by a conflict-resolution framework.
Dr. Bangura outlined three key pillars he believes must anchor the reform process: genuine democracy, accountable governance, and peace and stability.
On genuine democracy, Dr. Bangura questioned how the reform would strengthen the separation of powers and ensure that the executive arm of government remains accountable to the legislature and judiciary. He noted that effective checks and balances are essential for a functioning democratic system.
Addressing accountable governance, he underscored the need for constitutional safeguards that protect the independence of public institutions.
He warned that institutions captured by political interests undermine public trust and weaken democratic governance, adding that responsiveness to citizens must be at the core of institutional design.
On peace and stability, Dr. Bangura called for the dismantling of structures that promote ethno-regional dominance.
He argued that constitutional reform should foster an inclusive national identity, strengthen social cohesion, and promote equitable and sustainable development across all regions of the country.
Dr. Bangura maintained that confronting these issues directly is critical to breaking the persistent cycles of poverty, underdevelopment, corruption, and instability that have threatened Sierra Leone’s peace and security in recent years.
Despite his firm views on the reform process, the APC flagbearer aspirant reaffirmed his commitment to APC party leadership on matters of national importance. He said unity within the APC remains essential, particularly on a process as significant as constitutional reform.
“As a party, our responsibility is to develop a unified and robust strategy that ensures any constitutional reform truly reflects the democratic aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people,” he stated, noting that the APC has historically played a key role in advancing democratic governance in the country.
In furtherance of this objective, Dr. Bangura disclosed that he will be working directly with the APC by submitting a comprehensive position paper to contribute to the party’s input into the ongoing pre-legislative constitutional review process.
He concluded by calling on fellow aspirants, party members, academics, and the general public to join the APC in promoting an inclusive, transparent, and democratic national dialogue aimed at securing a stronger and more united future for Sierra Leone.