Over the weekend, at the Port Loko Descendants Union annual general meeting held in Gbinti, the people of Port Loko, categorically and unanimously rejected the presidential ambition of Alpha Khanu. The meeting is dedicated to reflecting on the collective development of the District and its future. Many politicians including ministers and members of parliament, chiefs, local councilors, women and youths were in attendance. It is the perfect setting for any descendant with political ambition to try to seize the moment and stage to enhance their political clout and standing.

This was exactly what the shrewd Alhaji Alpha Khan attempted to do when he was called upon to speak. He spoke, as usually, eloquently with platitudes that he alone has been the undisputed champion of Port Loko development over the years. He highlighted how he used his enormous influence and clout in government and with the president to bring development to the district. After rounding up on the long list of development projects, Alpha Khan told his people that this is why he has decided to seek the high office of president so he could do more for his people. He emphasised the mantra that “as an apprentice for over ten years, no one does it better than I”.

In response, a long list of speakers rejected Alpha Khan’s claims of development and ridiculed his presidential ambition. With his questionable integrity and dubious reputation very much alive among his kith and kin who know him better, many members of the audience poured scorn at his ambition. One speaker even asked whether Alpha Khan really meant what he was saying. In addition, some senior party elders openly stated their embarrassment especially at his publishing of the President’s private wedding photos, as a way of stamping his personal relationship with the president. It was amidst the cacophony of disapproval and rejection that Hon Ibrahim Bundu seized the occasion to declare his ambition to run for the Flagbearer of the All People’s Congress. While Honourable Ibrahim Bundu did not receive negative comments over his ambition, his declaration was muted with limited fanfare and energy.

As Alhaji Alpha Khan left Port Loko for Freetown, many wondered whether the rejection by his own people was sufficient red light indicating that he ends his presidential bid and support other candidates. Common sense would suggest the right thing to do especially in a large district threatened by opposition party seeking to infiltrate and get a strong foothold. With the Youth League conference also coming up in Port Loko at the end of the month, the APC would have to think twice to consider who can really carry the party back to State House in 2018.