Lands Minister Dr. Turad Senesie has announced that he is not interested in seeking the Sierra Leone People’s Party’s flagbearer position to succeed President Julius Maada Bio, citing the party’s constitutional requirements. According to Senesie, he does not meet the requirement of being a Distinguished Grand Chief Patron, a status he said is necessary to contest for the position. This has been a point of discussion within the party regarding eligibility for the presidential ticket.
Senesie made these comments in an interview with Truth Media, where he emphasized that he is waiting for guidance from President Bio on how the party should proceed with choosing its next flagbearer. He described himself as “sitting behind the corner” while awaiting direction from the party’s current leadership on the succession process. The SLPP is currently facing growing discussion over its leadership succession ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The constitutional requirement cited by Senesie has previously been a topic of debate over eligibility for the party’s presidential ticket. In February, SLPP National Secretary General Umarr Paran Tarawally mentioned that only seven members then met the party’s stated requirements to contest for flagbearer. These requirements include holding Distinguished Grand Chief Patron status for at least five years and maintaining the required party dues.
Those named by Tarawally as meeting the requirements 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. Senesie’s decision not to contest for the flagbearer position means that the party will have to look to other members who meet the constitutional requirements.
Senesie emphasized that the eventual process should be guided by the party’s leadership and produce a candidate capable of bringing together supporters across Sierra Leone’s regions. He expressed confidence that President Bio would provide political guidance when the time comes for the party to select or elect its next flagbearer.
The SLPP’s leadership succession process is being closely watched as the 2028 general elections approach. The party will need to choose a candidate who can unify its supporters and appeal to a broad range of voters. Senesie’s comments have provided insight into the party’s internal discussions and the considerations that will shape its decision.
The ruling out of Senesie’s candidacy has implications for the SLPP’s succession process, as the party weighs its options for a candidate who meets the constitutional requirements and can lead the party to victory in the 2028 elections. The decision on the next flagbearer will be crucial in determining the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections.
Key points
- Senesie cites SLPP constitution as reason for not contesting flagbearer position.
- Only seven SLPP members currently meet party’s requirements for flagbearer.
- Senesie awaits guidance from President Bio on party’s succession process.
