By Mohamed Kamara
An investigation into the operations of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) has unearthed evidence suggesting that Hon. Mohamed Bangura, a sitting Member of Parliament under the All People’s Congress (APC) banner, has aligned himself with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) without officially resigning from his current political party.
The controversy began after the death of the former PDP leader, Sobeh, in a tragic road accident. Sources reveal that Hon. Bangura signed the book of condolence at the PPRC headquarters as a PDP member, in the presence of senior PPRC officials. This act has raised eyebrows, as Hon. Bangura was elected to Parliament under the APC symbol and has yet to resign from the opposition party.
Further complicating the matter, a leaked video shows Hon. Bangura in the company of individuals alleged to be unregistered PDP members. These individuals were reportedly installed into the party illegally by the late Prince Coker, a controversial figure whose leadership was supported by the PPRC despite ongoing disputes within the PDP.
The PDP has long been embroiled in internal conflict, exacerbated by Prince Coker’s contentious leadership. Many party members had rejected his authority, citing corruption allegations. An investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) found Coker guilty of misappropriating funds amounting to 22 million Leones (old currency). Despite these findings, the PPRC, under successive chairmen, failed to enforce the PDP’s constitutional decision to expel Coker.
The controversy intensified when Coker was elected as Chairman of the All Political Parties Association (APPA) with apparent backing from the PPRC. Even after Coker’s passing, the PPRC’s actions have continued to fuel divisions within the PDP.
In the wake of Coker’s death, Hon. Mohamed Bangura has reportedly positioned himself as the PDP’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections, despite opposition from key party members. Sources within the PDP claim that Alimamy Bangura, the uncle of the party’s founder, Thaimu Bangura, had already been elected as the legitimate leader.
Hon. Bangura’s overtures to reconcile with unregistered members loyal to Coker have been met with skepticism. Critics accuse him of leveraging financial incentives to gain support in areas where the PDP performed well in the June 2023 elections.
Political analysts describe Hon. Mohamed Bangura as a “politician of many colors,” noting his history of shifting allegiances. Having begun his career with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Bangura defected to form the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) alongside Charles Margai. He later founded his own party, the United Democratic Movement (UDM), before joining the APC, where he served as Minister of Information and Communication under the Ernest Bai Koroma administration.
Now, Bangura’s recent actions suggest he is positioning himself as a key figure within the PDP, further cementing his reputation as a political chameleon.
Observers have expressed concern over the PPRC’s perceived failure to uphold the constitutions of minority political parties, which they believe has fueled divisions and undermined democratic processes. The apparent support for Hon. Bangura’s leadership bid has sparked calls for an urgent review of the PPRC’s role in political party governance.
As the PDP’s internal conflicts continue to unfold, the focus now shifts to whether the party can reconcile its divisions and restore constitutional order ahead of the 2028 elections.
Lucian Momoh, the Director of Training and External Relations at the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), has responded to allegations regarding Mohamed Bangura signing the book of condolence for the late Prince Coker under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) membership.
In a statement, Momoh clarified the Commission’s position: “In response to your message and our earlier conversation online, you are the first to inform us of this issue. On the first day of the opening and signing of the book of condolence, Mohamed Bangura was not present. He signed a day or two later, and we only became aware of this today.”
The PPRC’s acknowledgment comes amidst growing scrutiny over the incident, with critics questioning the implications of Bangura’s alleged action. The Commission has yet to issue an official statement outlining further steps regarding the matter.
