By Abdul Karim Mansaray (MCIPS)
(The Ambasador)
In a vibrant display of cultural solidarity, Honorable Bai Mahmoud Bangura (BMB), the leading All People’s Congress (APC) Presidential Flag-bearer for the 2028 elections, stood not on a political podium but within the sacred circle of tradition at the Awodi Ojeh Society Play out ceremony this Wednesday, 21-January,2026. His presence at the Awodi complex playground in Oxley Street, Fourah Bay, was a powerful, wordless manifesto aimed at the heart of Sierra Leone’s social fabric.
The Political Strategist as Cultural Custodian; BMB’s participation is a calculated embrace of his identity as a custodian of tradition. The Ojeh Society, originating from the Yoruba Egungun masquerade tradition, has evolved from a Creole institution into a profound national fraternity, counting Temnes, Lokos, Mandingos, and other major ethnic groups among its members. For a presidential aspirant, being seen at its ceremony is not mere spectacle; it is an act of deep political and social communion. By aligning himself with this cross-ethnic cultural beacon, Bangura visually reinforces his campaign mantra of unity and grassroots mobilization.
Roots and Resonance;
This move resonates with his personal narrative and political brand. Born in Mambolo, Kambia District, and a graduate of Fourah Bay College, Bangura’s journey from teacher and journalist to Minister of Youth Affairs is built on a record of organizing and unifying. His campaign declaration emphasized “democratic integrity” and being a “generational intermediary”. Standing with the Ojeh Society, a group historically seen as a community watchdog and enforcer of order, projects an image of a leader rooted in authentic social structures, not just political ones.
Symbolism for 2028;
The ceremony’s timing is pivotal. As Bangura transitions from his role as former National Organizing Secretary to a national candidate, he is sending a clear signal. His strength, as he has stated, lies not in money but in people. The Awodi Ojeh Play out, with its elaborate masquerades, music, and gathered thousands, is the embodiment of “the people”. His attendance demonstrates a commitment to the foundational cultures that bind communities together, a savvy strategy to build the “formidable, undisputed, and election-ready” party he has called for.
In a nation where culture and politics are inextricably linked, Bai Mahmoud Bangura’s presence at the Awodi complex was more than a courtesy. It was a strategic performance of belonging, positioning him as a preserver of heritage and a unifying force for a nation in search of shared identity and prosperity.
Never underestimate the power of the rising Sun!