APC's Daramy Says SLPP’s Record Will Haunt Party’s 2028 Flagbearer

Former APC Western Region Spokesperson Abubakarr Daramy has said the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) faces a deeper political challenge beyond selecting a flagbearer for the 2028 elections, arguing that the party’s record in government will shape the prospects of whoever emerges as its candidate.

Speaking on Slik TV, Daramy said there are several capable individuals within the ruling SLPP but maintained that their political fortunes are closely tied to the party’s overall performance rather than individual strengths.

“There are good aspirants within the SLPP as individuals, but the challenge lies with the party itself,” he said.

He added that while many party members are intelligent and qualified, their decision to operate within the SLPP structure means they collectively bear responsibility for the government’s record.

“There are many smart people in the party, but they are not running independently, which would have been a different ball game,” he stated.

Daramy further named individuals he personally respects politically, including Kandeh Yumkella, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Alie Kabba, and Alpha Timbo, but stressed that their association with the SLPP links them to the performance of the current administration.

“As an individual, I will identify with many of them like Kandeh Yumkella, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Alie Kabba and Alpha Timbo, but their association with the SLPP has made them bear the responsibility of this particular administration,” he said.

He argued that political judgment is shaped not only by individual reputation but also by party performance and public perception of governance.

“The SLPP record we as politicians have sewn a gown, and that’s what we will wear on any person the SLPP gives as flagbearer,” he said.

Daramy maintained that the party’s record in office will significantly influence how its 2028 candidate is received by the electorate, noting that economic challenges such as inflation will remain central to political debate.

“Definitely, that’s the ticket the SLPP will wear, so the SLPP record is blended on many of them,” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing political discussions about potential contenders for the SLPP’s 2028 flagbearer position and how the party’s governance record may influence voter sentiment in the next general elections.