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Freetown Mayor and All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer aspirant, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has confirmed that she will renounce her British citizenship in order to meet Sierra Leone’s constitutional requirements for presidential candidates.
Speaking on Liberty Online TV, Aki-Sawyerr acknowledged that Sierra Leone’s Constitution bars individuals with dual citizenship from contesting the presidency or serving as a party flagbearer. She said she is fully aware of the law and is prepared to comply with it.
“I have every intention of doing that because I will contest as a Sierra Leonean citizen only,” Aki-Sawyerr said during the interview. She added that citizenship is a legal matter that must be properly resolved before engaging in any serious political contest.
The Freetown Mayor emphasized that her political ambitions are rooted in service to Sierra Leone and in respect for the country’s laws. According to her, strict adherence to constitutional provisions is necessary to protect public trust in democratic governance and to ensure credibility in leadership.
Her comments come at a time when public debate has intensified around eligibility requirements for political office, especially as political parties begin early preparations for the 2028 general elections. Issues of citizenship, legality, and constitutional compliance have featured prominently in recent national political discussions.
Aki-Sawyerr, who is widely seen as a leading figure within the APC, appeared to use the interview to clarify her position on the matter and to reassure party supporters and the general public that she will meet all legal and constitutional obligations before contesting for the party’s flagbearer position.
By addressing the issue directly, Aki-Sawyerr signalled her intention to align her political aspirations with the constitutional framework governing Sierra Leone’s democratic process, as she positions herself for a possible presidential bid.
