By Alhaji Musa Bah
All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer hopeful, Ady Macauley, ignited fresh energy and momentum during a spirited visit to Kholifa Rowala Chiefdom in Magboroka, Tonkolili District. Addressing party delegates, stalwarts, youth groups, traders, and grassroots supporters, the prominent lawyer made a powerful appeal for unity, justice, and structured reform within the APC as it prepares for the 2028 elections.
In a bold and emotionally charged speech, Macauley declared that his mission was not rooted in personal ambition, but in a passionate commitment to rebuild and reenergize the APC for national leadership. Supported by photo documentation of his longstanding service and sacrifice, Macauley called for a more strategic and disciplined party structure. He praised former Chairlady of the APC Women’s Wing, calling her a “lioness of the struggle,” and commended former President Ernest Bai Koroma for spearheading “landmark developmental achievements” across all sectors.
“Sierra Leone is at a crossroads,” Macauley warned. “The time for strategic, courageous leadership is now.”
He emphasized that with nearly 60–70% of the population made up of young people, their voices and leadership are vital to national progress. He further committed to gender inclusion by pledging to reserve leadership positions for women under the age of 35, describing leadership as a matter of “sacrifice and service to humanity,” not titles or positions.
Drawing on his 21 years of legal service in Sierra Leone and 22 years of pro bono advocacy in the UK, Macauley made the case for justice-driven leadership.
Macauley took direct aim at the ruling SLPP government, accusing it of presiding over a “stolen election” and a pattern of systemic injustice, including political intimidation and extrajudicial killings. Citing his controversial arrest, he stated:
“I was imprisoned for exercising a constitutional right to peaceful protest on national television. But I will never bow to fear or intimidation.”
He urged all citizens to treat the upcoming national census with the utmost seriousness, adding pointedly: “Even the unborn must be counted.”
Recalling the SLPP’s return to power through strategic organization in 1999, Macauley urged the APC to adopt similar discipline if it intends to reclaim State House in 2028.
A moving testimony came from a veteran APC Chairlady, who recounted her arrest and ten-day detention alongside Macauley. She described him as a “golden-hearted leader” with unwavering dedication to justice.
“We need a lion, not a coward,” she declared to loud applause, calling for the election of a leader bold enough to face the challenges ahead.
Her sentiments were echoed by a passionate supporter who insisted that every statement made by Macauley was backed by “visible sacrifice and a consistent track record.”
District Chairman Akim offered his endorsement, praising Allah and expressing Tonkolili’s “unified support” behind Ady Macauley. He described the lawyer as a transformational figure with the courage and character the APC needs moving forward.
Meanwhile, the District Chairlady made a pointed remark about loyalty and impact:
“While the APC has many lawyers, Tonkolili only truly recognizes two—Ady Macauley and Lawyer Boniface—because of their genuine service over the years.”
She also called for increased consultations at the district level and urged the party to prioritize tangible local developments, including grants for women and the reconstruction of the Mile 91 and Bumbuna roads.
Macauley’s visit ended with resounding pledges of support and a renewed sense of urgency. Delegates and supporters described him as a candidate of strategy, justice, and unshakable courage—a man many in Tonkolili believe can both unite the APC and lead Sierra Leone forward.
