By Foday Moriba Conteh

Honourable Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, widely known as Chericoco, is increasingly being recognized as the political figure best positioned to lead Sierra Leone into a new era of unity and progress. His decades-long service in politics, law and civic advocacy has solidified his reputation as a seasoned leader whose commitment to the nation runs deep.

Born on April 29, 1972, Hon. Chericoco has spent his career championing youth empowerment, education reform and national governance. Rising from the grassroots level to serve as a past Deputy Speaker of Parliament between 2012 and 2017 as well as transitioning  into the Leader of the Opposition, his track record reflects resilience and dedication to inclusive development.

Political observers and party stalwarts within the All People’s Congress (APC) have increasingly pointed to Hon. Chericoco as the most qualified and credible leader to steer the party into the 2028 general elections. His three-term tenure as a lawmaker, combined with his experience as two-time running mate to Dr. Samura Kamara in the 2018 and 2023 presidential elections, has positioned him as a trusted and unifying force.

Supporters argue that Hon. Chericoco’s ability to connect across ethnic, regional and religious divides makes him a national figure capable of rallying the country behind a shared vision of progress. His consistent advocacy for education and youth development has earned him admiration, particularly among young APC supporters who view him as the leader to secure the party’s future and drive national transformation.

During his time as Deputy Speaker, Hon. Chericoco chaired key parliamentary committees, including Mines & Minerals and Legislative Affairs, shaping critical legislation for the country. Since 2019, as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, he has been a strong advocate for good governance and economic reform, consistently amplifying the voices of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.

Political strategists also highlight his personal connection to the Eastern Region through his wife, who hails from Kenema District, as a factor that could prove decisive for the APC in 2028. This, coupled with his grassroots appeal nationwide, has strengthened the growing consensus that he is the candidate to lead the party to victory.

Within the APC, members describe Hon. Chericoco as the “old broom that sweeps best”; a seasoned, tested and trusted leader who knows every corner of the party and the nation. His journey from party agent to Member of Parliament, Deputy Speaker and Opposition Leader is seen as proof of his unmatched dedication and institutional knowledge.

As the APC prepares for a critical election season, Hon. Chericoco’s candidacy is increasingly viewed as the bridge between the party’s historic legacy and Sierra Leone’s future aspirations. His leadership, supporters say, embodies the qualities the country needs most: integrity, vision and an unwavering commitment to unity and progress.

With 2028 on the horizon, the momentum around Hon. Chernor Maju Bah continues to grow. For many, his record of service and proven leadership make him not just the APC’s strongest candidate, but indeed The People’s Voice and The Nation’s Choice. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/from-grassroots-to-national-stage-chericoco-emerges-as-apcs-strongest-hope/