Ex- SLPP Sec-Gen Says Several Rumored 2028 Aspirants Not Qualified

Former Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sulaiman Banja Tejan-Sie, has said that several individuals rumored to be interested in the party’s 2028 presidential flagbearer position including First Lady Fatima Bio, through her EBEHMA movement do not currently meet the eligibility requirements set out in the party’s constitution.

Speaking in a recent interview with Liberty Online, Banja Tejan-Sie clarified that only a limited number of senior party figures presently satisfy the constitutional criteria for the position.

“Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, our Vice President, is qualified. John Oponjo Benjamin, former party chairman, is qualified. Prince Alex Harding, former Secretary-General, is qualified,” he stated.

He further explained that many of the individuals expressing interest in the 2028 presidential race are not registered members of the SLPP, which automatically places them outside the eligibility threshold.

The former Secretary-General noted that even if new members were to join the party now, questions would arise as to whether they could meet the required membership tenure before the 2028 elections.

He emphasized that the rumored aspirants including First Lady Fatima Bio, despite her notable contributions to the party and communities through her EBEHMA movement do not currently meet the constitutional standard for contesting the flagbearer position.

Banja Tejan-Sie’s remarks come amid growing speculation and public debate surrounding potential contenders for the SLPP leadership, underscoring the continued importance of adhering to the party’s constitutional guidelines as the 2028 electoral cycle approaches.