First Lady Distinguishes Between Aki-Sawyerr's and Blyden's APC Candidacies

First Lady Distinguishes Between Aki-Sawyerr's and Blyden's APC Candidacies

Sierra Leone's First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has drawn a distinction between the approaches of two prominent women supposedly vying for the APC's 2028 flagbearer position. The First Lady observed that Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has formally declared her candidacy, whereas Sylvia Blyden has only expressed a consideration for running.

Appearing on AYV's Wake Up Salone, the First Lady elaborated on her earlier public statement congratulating Mayor Aki-Sawyerr via social media for her decision.

"I was proud to witness Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr formally declare her intention to contest. It is a significant and commendable step for a woman in politics, and such action deserves recognition. In contrast, Sylvia Blyden has stated she is 'considering' a run. There is a marked difference between 'considering' and 'declaring' a candidacy," the First Lady stated.

Her commentary underscores the critical nature of decisive commitment in political contests, differentiating between a formal declaration and ongoing deliberation.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, who has held the office of Freetown Mayor since 2018, previously received the First Lady’s public acknowledgment for her decision, which was described as a courageous and inspirational move for women in leadership.

This had elicited a remark from Sylvia Blyden who in acknowledging the First Lady's support for Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, also called it a strategic political maneuver rather than a personal slight, alluding she had been sidelined due to her stance in maintaining integrity and transparent electoral processes within the APC.

The First Lady's remarks contribute to the wider national dialogue concerning female participation in high-level political roles ahead of the 2028 general elections, emphasizing that bold action and decisive leadership are crucial elements for political advancement for both Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Sylvia Blyden.