Dr Ibrahim Bangura has expressed deep concern over the arrest and continued detention of the Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC), Lansana Dumbuya, following remarks made at a party meeting.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the APC flagbearer aspirant condemned the action, describing it as a worrying development for democratic governance in Sierra Leone. He disclosed that he is actively engaging party leadership and fellow flagbearer aspirants in efforts aimed at securing Dumbuya’s immediate release.Dr Bangura warned that the health of any democracy depends on its ability to tolerate dissent, protect political pluralism, and uphold the rule of law—particularly at a time when Sierra Leone is approaching crucial elections and navigating sensitive constitutional reform processes.He emphasized that safeguarding democratic freedoms should not be treated as a partisan issue but as a collective national responsibility.Calling on the relevant authorities to act with restraint, Dr Bangura urged respect for due process and appealed for a clear demonstration of commitment to democratic values, noting that Sierra Leoneans have worked hard and made sacrifices to build and preserve those principles.As of the time of publication, the Sierra Leone Police had not issued an official statement outlining the charges against Dumbuya or providing details on the legal basis for his continued detention.The arrest has sparked renewed public debate over political tolerance, freedom of expression, and the broader state of democratic space in the country.