The campaign drums are beating loudly across Sierra Leone as political hopefuls fan out across towns and villages, seeking to persuade delegates that they possess the vision, discipline, and leadership to steer their parties into the future. From the bustling streets of Freetown to the political heartlands of the provinces, election fever has gripped the nation, transforming every meeting, rally, and conversation into a contest of ideas, influence, and ambition.
Among the most closely watched races is the battle for the chairmanship of the All People’s Congress (APC) in Port Loko District, where aspirants are competing not merely for a party office but for the opportunity to shape one of the party’s most influential district structures. With party unity, grassroots mobilisation, and future electoral fortunes at stake, the contest has attracted considerable attention from political observers both within and beyond Sierra Leone.
On assignment in Sierra Leone, our versatile reporter, Lawal Mohammed, follows the campaign trail to capture the personalities, promises, and political calculations driving this crucial internal election. His journey offers readers an insider’s perspective on a democracy in motion, where political messaging is being tested against delegates’ expectations and where leadership credentials are under intense scrutiny.
In the first part of this special series, Mohammed turns his attention to Adel Karim Dandas, a leading contender for the APC Port Loko District Chairmanship. Presenting himself as a servant leader committed to unity, organisational renewal, and grassroots empowerment, Dandas has built his campaign around the argument that the party’s future depends not simply on winning elections, but on rebuilding trust, strengthening its structures, and inspiring members to “get up, stand up” for a stronger APC.
As the All People’s Congress (APC) in Sierra Leone’s Port Loko District enters a pivotal leadership contest, one campaign has sought to redefine the race as more than a competition for office. Drawing inspiration from Bob Marley’s enduring anthem Get Up, Stand Up, chairmanship aspirant Adel Karim Dandas is urging party delegates to see the election as a choice about the district’s future direction, unity, and organisational strength. The campaign argues that the moment calls not for passive support, but for decisive leadership capable of preparing the APC for future political success.
Campaign materials portray Dandas as a “servant leader” whose leadership philosophy is rooted in service before status. Rather than centring his appeal on political ambition, the campaign emphasises responsibility, grassroots engagement, and long-term empowerment. According to supporters, the objective is to strengthen party structures, promote internal cohesion, and build a disciplined organisation capable of meeting future electoral challenges.
A central theme of the campaign is the distinction between short-term assistance and lasting empowerment. Supporters argue that sustainable leadership is measured not by temporary acts of generosity but by creating opportunities that enable individuals and communities to become self-reliant. They present Dandas as a leader committed to capacity building, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community development, maintaining that meaningful progress comes through equipping people with the tools to shape their own future.
The campaign also highlights Dandas’ previous leadership within Constituency 070, where supporters credit him with fostering unity and preventing internal divisions within the APC. His record, they argue, demonstrates an ability to bring together different interests while maintaining discipline and strengthening the party’s organisational base. These experiences are presented as evidence that he possesses both the administrative experience and political temperament required to lead the district.
Beyond party politics, campaign literature points to Dandas’ involvement in educational initiatives, support for local development, and assistance to young people and small entrepreneurs. These efforts are cited as examples of a leadership style that places community welfare alongside political organisation, reinforcing the campaign’s message that effective leadership should leave lasting benefits beyond election cycles.
The campaign further draws on Dandas’ Muslim faith, presenting public service as both a civic responsibility and a moral obligation. By invoking the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the best among people are those who serve others, supporters frame the chairmanship contest as an opportunity to elect a leader guided by principles of integrity, compassion, and accountability.
Throughout the campaign, Bob Marley’s famous call to “get up” and “stand up” serves as both metaphor and message. Rather than encouraging confrontation, the slogan is used to inspire delegates to actively participate in shaping the future of the APC in Port Loko District. Campaign organisers argue that strong institutions are built through engaged members who choose leaders capable of uniting diverse voices behind a common purpose.
With delegates preparing to cast their ballots, the Dandas campaign has positioned itself around a consistent message: that the future of the APC in Port Loko District depends on unity over division, service over self-interest, and empowerment over patronage. Whether that message resonates with delegates will become clear when they decide who will lead one of the party’s key district organisations into its next chapter.
Story: Lawal Mohammed
