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The emergence, yesterday, of a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Mathew Wilson Samura Kamara, as the presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), was the first and most important leg in the journey to the presidential bout.
That, of course, ushers in the second leg and sets a new challenge for the opposition party, which is the search for a suitable running mate, whose combination could help the party to victory in the June 2023 elections.
And, since the choice of a running mate is as critical as the candidate itself, to the outcome of a presidential election, it is expected that certain factors would be put into consideration, too, in settling for anyone at all. However, to guide the APC in the choice of its running mate to Dr. Kamara are a few factors, including capacity, education, experience, exposure, political net worth.
Sierraloaded understands that All People’s Congress (APC) and Dr. Mathew Wilson Samura Kamara have begun consultations to pick a running mate ahead of the polls.
The party leaders are said to be discussing the criteria for selecting a suitable person, including experience, educational credentials and geo-political balance. It was gathered that they are also considered the possibility of fielding a running mate who has a deep knowledge of the country and economy.
It was learnt that the party has shortlisted three candidates including, Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara alias Jagaban, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr.
Hon. Chernor Maju Bah
In 2018, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah was handpicked as the running rate for Samura Kamara. But there are speculations that the lawmaker is being projected to serve as the next speaker of Parliament.
Chericoco, as he is often called is the APC Leader in the House of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition in the House. He is a devoted Muslim with hundreds of Christian friends which adds to what it takes him to serve in the Vice Presidency position to Dr Samura Kamara in June polls. Hon Bah has proven his leadership competence with impressive records spanning from the rime his served as a Deputy Speaker of the House of Parliament, coupled with his three terms effective roles to constituents in Freetown and beyond. He is known everywhere in the country for his humility and interacts with people at all levels.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr became in 2018 Freetown’s first female mayor in 38 years. During her tenure however, she raised hackles with her style and for projects she prioritized. But as Aki-Sawyerr’s first term draws to an end, much of her agenda has been thwarted by rows and legal battles.
With few months the local council elections, Aki-Sawyerr whose tenure at the Freetown City Council ends on 1st March 2023 has not made any public declaration about re-contesting for the position. This is fueling speculations that She will be chosen by her party as their presidential running mate in the 2023 elections. If Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr plans to stay in Freetown, her party is expected to tap her as running mate for the presidency against Bio, who is bidding for second term.
When asked in a recent interview whether Sierra Leone is ready for a female vice president, Aki-Sawyerr said: “I think people respond to what they’re presented with, and if they’re presented with the right person, they respond to that.”
Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara ‘Jagaban’
Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara is a Sierra Leonean and member of the All People’s Congress who is based in the United States of America.
Jagaban is largely known for his philanthropic gestures and donations to less privilege and places of worship in some communities’, but less is known about him politically, Speculations are rife that the All People’s Congress are considering the ‘Jagaban’ as their running mate for the 2023 elections becuase of this socio-political influence and financial weight.
