Pope Kamara Claims Ernest Koroma Prefers Bai Mahmoud for APC Flagbearer
Former All People’s Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary Mohamed Pope Kamara has publicly stated that former President Ernest Bai Koroma favors Bai Mahmoud Bangura as his preferred candidate for the party's flagbearer position.
Speaking in an interview on ECKO Media, Kamara argued that Mahmoud’s extensive career progression within both the party apparatus and the government positions him as the most suitable contender in Koroma’s view, should the former president express a preference.
Tracing Mahmoud’s service record, Kamara highlighted his roles as Youth Secretary, Youth President, Presidential Youth Aide, National Organising Secretary, and Acting Chairman of the APC. He emphasized that Mahmoud’s continuous involvement in frontline politics—spanning from his early career following secondary education to public communications and administrative leadership—provides him with comprehensive operational and governance experience.
“As a young person, he has the energy and a lot of experience in the political arena; he understands what governance is,” Kamara stated during the broadcast.
Addressing past reports suggesting a lack of support from the former head of state, Kamara recounted an instance where Mahmoud was questioned regarding Koroma's stance. According to Kamara, Mahmoud expressed confidence that any endorsement from the former leader would lean toward him, while noting Chernor Maju Bah as the only comparable figure due to Bah's extensive parliamentary tenure.
However, Kamara maintained that Mahmoud’s multi-tiered involvement across various organizational levels of the party sets him apart from other potential contenders.
“He has gone through the ranks, and as a young person, the energy is there, alongside extensive experience across the political spectrum,”
Kamara added, reiterating that Koroma would likely identify Mahmoud as his preferred choice if prompted.
While acknowledging that the current APC Constitution no longer accords former leaders the formal influence or selection privileges of the past, Kamara argued that Mahmoud's institutional memory and background remain highly relevant to ongoing leadership discussions.
Mahmoud remains active among the prominent aspirants campaigning for the APC leadership and the party’s official flagbearer position ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
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