Lands Minister Turad Senesie Rules Himself Out of SLPP Flagbearer Race

Lands Minister Turad Senesie Rules Himself Out of SLPP Flagbearer Race

Lands Minister Dr. Turad Senesie has ruled out seeking the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) flagbearer position at this time, saying he does not currently meet the party’s constitutional requirements for the role.

Speaking to Truth Media, Senesie said the SLPP Constitution requires prospective flagbearers to hold the status of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron, a category he said he does not currently qualify for.

Senesie said he is therefore awaiting direction from the party’s leadership on the process of selecting a successor to President Julius Maada Bio.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions within the SLPP over leadership succession ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The eligibility requirement has previously featured prominently in discussions surrounding the party’s flagbearer race. In February 2026, SLPP National Secretary General Umarr Paran Tarawally said seven members then met the requirements, including having served in the Distinguished Grand Chief Patron category for at least five years and having fulfilled the required party dues.

Those identified were Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Prince Alex Harding, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Sulaiman Banja Tejan-Sie, Jacob Jusu Saffa, John Oponjo Benjamin and Momodu Koroma.

said the eventual flagbearer selection should follow the direction of the party’s leadership and produce a candidate capable of bringing together supporters from across Sierra Leone.

He also said President Bio would provide political guidance when the time comes for the party to select its next flagbearer.