[1] Ibrahima's political journey began in 1942 as a nominated member of the municipal council, with his success a result of his connection to the Muslim population.
Small took Ibrahima to the 1945 World International Trade Union Conference in London, where he had the opportunity to meet influential African leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah.
Ibrahima also participated in the Fifth Pan-African Congress held in Manchester, representing the Gambia Labour Union which he was Secretary, which was a significant point in his life.
[2][1] Ibrahima's interest in trade unionism has been noted as relating to the opportunities in politics it would provide, and was criticised as not serving the labour once appointed.
In 1965, Ibrahima aligned himself with the United Party to successfully oppose the republic referendum, campaigning against Dawda Jawara's alleged intention to merge with Senegal's Léopold Sédar Senghor and create the Senegambia Confederation.