The All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer aspirant Sheikh Alhaji Mohamed Omodu Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban, has said that many Sierra Leoneans who were once ashamed to openly identify as APC supporters now proudly back the party because of his efforts.
Speaking in his first major sit-down interview on AYV’s new programme State of the Nation, hosted by veteran journalist Umaru Fofana, Jagaban declared: “People were ashamed to call themselves APC supporters, but now I have made many people love the APC.”
The businessman-turned-politician and philanthropist, who has been cleared by the APC to contest the flagbearer race, used the interview to highlight what he described as a turnaround in public perception of the main opposition party. He positioned his philanthropy, community interventions through the J-IMPACT foundation, and financial support to party structures as key factors in rebuilding grassroots confidence ahead of the 2028 elections.
Jagaban, who hails from Blama in Kenema District, has in recent months made high-profile donations to APC offices, mosques, churches, women’s groups and traditional leaders across several districts.
Party officials earlier confirmed his eligibility after verifying his membership records, clearing the way for him to join a crowded field of aspirants.
His rising profile has been noted in some surveys, though it has also drawn criticism from within and outside the party over the scale of his spending.
The AYV interview touched on questions about his wealth, political style and vision for addressing Sierra Leone’s challenges.
The comments come as the APC prepares for its national processes that will eventually produce a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
