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Popular Sierra Leonean musician and former reality TV star, Zainab Sheriff has endorsed Freetown Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr as an ideal female candidate for the 2028 Presidential Election.
Sheriff made her choice while speaking on the role Aki-Sawyerr plays in her party, the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC). The musician said Aki-Sawyerr is a woman who truly stands out among those who have shown interest so far in running for the top job in her party.
She said the Freetown Mayor has the capacity to lead and is more capable than most of the men currently showing up as aspirants.
Sheriff made these comments during an appearance on an online TV program while discussing the kind of female leadership Sierra Leone needs. She said the only issue she has with Aki-Sawyerr is that she is too focused on international bodies, while the real problems facing the country are local.
She said Sierra Leone’s problems can be addressed from within and do not always need outside influence. According to her, Yvonne needs to become more connected across the country and not only focus on the capital. Sheriff said leadership is national, and a presidential hopeful must build a strong base not just in Freetown but also in other parts of Sierra Leone.
Sheriff’s remarks come as the “Wi Duti” campaign continues to call for female leadership at the highest level. She has been outspoken about the kind of women she believes are right for the job and the qualities they should show. In this case, she said Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is showing promise, but must go further in building local appeal if she wants full national support.
