Dr Ibrahim Bangura, the charismatic and presumptive All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer, drew one of the largest political crowds Waterloo has seen in recent memory when his nationwide “Meet the People Tour” swept into Bassa Town on Saturday, 15 November 2025. Supporters converged on the Bassa Town Field by the thousands, creating what many eyewitnesses called a “human forest” and turning the area into an impromptu carnival well before his arrival.
The mood in Waterloo was exuberant and festive from early in the day. Youth groups, market women, bike riders, community leaders and residents lined the streets, waving APC flags and chanting party slogans that echoed through the community. By the time Dr Bangura reached the field, a sea of red-themed party attire, banners, and placards greeted him, underscoring the strong turnout and the enthusiasm accompanying his visit. Making his way through the crowd on foot, Dr Bangura moved among supporters, shaking hands and exchanging greetings in scenes described by observers as peaceful, colourful and highly energised.
The candidate’s interaction with ordinary residents appeared aimed at reinforcing his image as a leader who is accessible and connected to the grassroots of the party. Addressing the jubilant audience, Dr Bangura reiterated the central themes that have come to define his campaign: peace, unity and national cohesion. He framed his message around the idea of inclusion and belonging, saying, “I want a country where every Sierra Leonean feels they belong – where we see one another as brothers and sisters.” He called for a nation in which children can attend schools of their choice, citizens have access to quality healthcare, and people can move freely across the country without fear or hesitation.
The presumptive flagbearer used the Waterloo stop to unveil plans for a broader initiative, announcing that his movement will shortly launch a national healing and unity campaign to repair social fractures and strengthen national harmony. He emphasised that Sierra Leone must be a country for all its people “regardless of tribe, region, or background,” and urged supporters to rally behind his vision for social restoration.
Dr Bangura also sought to consolidate support for both his immediate APC flagbearer bid and his longer-term presidential ambitions. He pledged to protect the votes of APC supporters in the forthcoming 2028 elections, promising that safeguarding electoral integrity would be a cornerstone of his leadership. The candidate expressed gratitude to his campaign team and to the crowd for their “unflinching support,” crediting their energy with propelling his tour forward.
Political analysts and party members at the event described recent stops on the tour as evidence of growing momentum for Dr Bangura’s campaign. The Waterloo gathering, in particular, reinforced perceptions that he is emerging as a formidable frontrunner within the APC and a rising force in Sierra Leone’s national political landscape.
As the sun set over Bassa Town Field, the fervour among supporters showed little sign of abating. With momentum building across districts and a schedule that will take him to more communities nationwide, Dr Bangura’s “Meet the People Tour” appears to be deepening his appeal and consolidating his position within the APC ahead of the critical political battles to come.
