The real successor to the President is still not known because the APC party continues to keep it cards close to its box. Of all those that have made known their intention to succeed President Koroma, none has been officially declared as the favorite apart from public perceptions. However, one thing that remains clear though is that the possibility greatly exists for the next APC flagbearer to come from outside the present political makeup. Whether those holding cabinet positions are afraid to come out or are not interested in the number-one job in the country still remain unclear.
In Sierra Leone, the issue of personality or pedigree does not actually count when it comes to the business of choosing a flagbearer. Sierra Leone has a baby bird democracy which does not put too much restriction on the caliber of candidates. However, prominent names that think they have the resources to move mountains have already created headlines within the APC. These are names of two prominent lawyers, one in the House of Parliament and another in the Justice Ministry.
These candidates have already created a place for themselves in their respective domains. They have the support and to some extent the resources. Those who have made their intention known have so far comported themselves within the ambits of the laws of the party; they have shown respect for the rank and file of the leadership of the APC and they are no minnows in the politics of Sierra Leone.
It is widely believed by political analysts that the issue of a Presidential contender should not be centered within a political party alone but presenting a candidate that can win the minds of the electorates.
In that light, the APC seems to be settled because four names are political crowd pullers who are well known in the geo-political milieu of the country.
Perhaps the only issue as suggested by some schools of thought is about the party maintaining the regional balance. While others argue that Bombali, the stronghold of the party, has had a taste of State House and therefore should give way to other regions. Some argue that regional balance is not a hard and fast rule within the party and the national constitution. But having a winning team that would maintain national cohesion is the matter.
The problem of the APC therefore, will not be that of getting a leader but choosing among the rest and once that is done, the very business of fighting to retain the presidency begins.
Party supporters have started the usual political guess as to who should succeed the President. But the two names from both the House of Parliament and Justice Ministry stand a better chance considering the fact that better Presidents around the world including President Koroma had gained much political experience in Parliament before he was elected. The young astute Parliamentarians may sip a similar cup of the tea. The candidates have so far been campaigning on ideologies rather than attacking opponents unlike other political parties were members attack themselves.
