Blyden Calls on First Lady to Stop Dragging APC Into Her Issues
- Grace Bangura
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Prominent All People’s Congress (APC) member Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has called on First Lady Fatima Maada Bio to stop associating the APC with controversies surrounding her, including reports relating to her London council housing arrangement and other recent public discussions.
Her remarks come in response to comments attributed to the First Lady in which she appeared to express frustration over criticism and referenced the opposition APC, stating: “APC, allow me to breathe.”
In a statement responding to the First Lady’s comments, Blyden rejected suggestions that the APC as a party was responsible for criticism directed at her, insisting that such claims were not supported by any official party position.
“It is not mainstream APC party which is catalyzing or instigating against you. Rather, some APC members merely join in,” she stated.
Blyden further noted that there had been no official press release from the APC on the issues being linked to the First Lady, adding that the party should not be held responsible for individual commentary circulating in public discussions.
“Have you seen any official APC party press release on your Bondo FGM affair? No!” she added.
She argued that much of the commentary on the First Lady’s controversies originated from broader public discourse rather than the APC as an institution.
“Remove your eyes from the APC Sun and instead look underneath your feet by the SLPP Palm Tree,” she stated.
Blyden also noted that political rivalry between the APC and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is expected, but stressed the importance of distinguishing between official party positions and individual opinions expressed on social media.
She maintained a conciliatory tone, referring to the First Lady as a “dear sister,” and said her comments were intended as advice rather than hostility.
The First Lady has not publicly responded to Blyden’s remarks at the time of reporting.
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