A claim circulating on social media suggests that former President Ernest Bai Koroma has officially endorsed Dr. Richard Konteh as the All People's Congress (APC) flagbearer for the 2028 presidential election. The claim, posted by Facebook user Fofanafofana, attracted significant attention, garnering 892 reactions, 234 comments, and six shares. However, the claim has been verified as false by multiple sources, including Koroma's office and the APC.
Dr. Richard Konteh, also known as "D-Unifier," is a Sierra Leonean educator, development expert, and politician who has held various positions, including Deputy Minister of Finance, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Chief of Staff to President Ernest Bai Koroma. Following his exoneration by the Sierra Leone Court of Appeal in 2023, Konteh has emerged as a contender for the APC's standard-bearer position ahead of the 2028 presidential election. His campaign focuses on party unity, economic diversification, and institutional reform.
To verify the claim, DUBAWA contacted the former president's office and spoke with Ishmail Sheriff, Koroma's personal assistant, who dismissed the claim as false. The APC's Publicity Secretary, Sidie Yayah Tunis, also denied the claim, labeling it as fake news. Furthermore, the claimant failed to provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.
DUBAWA's verification efforts also involved searching the APC's website for information on the party's 2028 race. However, no information was found confirming that the APC had elected a flagbearer to lead the party into the 2028 elections. While Richard Konteh is among politicians vying for the APC's 2028 ticket, available records show that Koroma has not officially endorsed him.
The claim's significance lies in the potential implications of an official endorsement by a former party leader on the APC's candidate selection process. The APC is expected to select a candidate to contest the 2028 presidential election, and any official endorsement could influence the party's decision.
Key figures involved in the claim, including Koroma and Konteh, have not made public statements on the endorsement. However, their offices and the APC have clarified that no such endorsement has been made. The incident highlights the importance of verifying information, especially on social media, to prevent the spread of misinformation.
In conclusion, the claim that former President Ernest Bai Koroma has officially endorsed Dr. Richard Konteh as the APC's 2028 flagbearer is false. The verification process, conducted by DUBAWA, confirms that Koroma has not made any official endorsement in favor of Konteh or any other candidate for the APC's 2028 ticket.
Key points
- The claim that Ernest Bai Koroma endorsed Richard Konteh as the APC's 2028 flagbearer is false.
- Richard Konteh is a contender for the APC's standard-bearer position ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
- The APC has not officially selected a flagbearer for the 2028 presidential election.
