Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has called for peace, unity, and reconciliation within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party, urging party supporters at home and abroad to work together to preserve the achievements and legacy of President Julius Maada Bio ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking at a meet-and-greet event organised by members of the SLPP UK & Ireland Region in central London on Thursday evening, 8 May 2026, Mrs. Bio said the party’s future success would depend on its ability to remain united and protect the record of the current administration.

Addressing supporters, the First Lady clarified that her visit to London was not connected to any political ambition or campaign for leadership within the party. She said her purpose was to engage with supporters and respond to concerns they may have.

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“I am here to dialogue with my people and answer any questions they may have for me,” she said, adding that President Bio remains the sitting President of Sierra Leone and that “no vacancy has been declared.”

Mrs. Bio stressed that whoever eventually emerges as the future presidential candidate of the SLPP would depend largely on the legacy and achievements of President Bio’s administration. She warned against internal divisions and infighting, saying such actions could weaken the party and undermine the gains already made.

Calling on party supporters in the diaspora to set aside political differences, the First Lady rejected suggestions that political power in Sierra Leone should automatically rotate between parties after a fixed number of years.

“Politics is not a 4×4 baton relay race,” she said, arguing that political parties retain or regain power based on their policies, achievements, and the confidence of the people rather than entitlement. According to her, there is no constitutional provision supporting assumptions of automatic political rotation.

She also criticised the opposition for what she described as a failure to present clear national development policies, stating that threats and intimidation could not substitute for meaningful governance programmes.

Mrs. Bio maintained that the SLPP remains confident of victory because of what she described as its proven record of delivering development and reforms for Sierra Leoneans.

Highlighting some of the achievements of President Bio’s administration, the First Lady pointed to the abolition of the death penalty, the repeal of the criminal libel law, and the introduction of the Free Quality Education programme. She described President Bio as a courageous and visionary leader committed to democracy, justice, and human rights.

During her address, Mrs. Bio also responded to criticism directed at her from some sections of society, particularly among women. She said her strong defence of her husband and his administration was driven by loyalty and commitment to the country’s development agenda.

“Perhaps it is because I love my husband so much that I refuse to allow distractive drama around him,” she said.

In an emotional moment during the event, the First Lady openly appealed for forgiveness from anyone she may have offended, either knowingly or unknowingly.

“If I have wronged anyone knowingly or unknowingly, I sincerely ask for forgiveness,” she stated. “I am human and liable to make mistakes, but this is not about me. This is about Sierra Leone and the future of our country.”

Mrs. Bio further disclosed that she has been engaging senior party stakeholders in efforts to reduce tensions and strengthen unity within the SLPP. She referenced a recent meeting with the party’s National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, whom she described as her “big brother,” adding that disagreements within the party should always be resolved peacefully for the collective interest of the SLPP.

On women’s empowerment, the First Lady defended her advocacy work and the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, saying empowering women benefits society as a whole.

“Women are not fighting for superiority; we are fighting for togetherness,” she said, adding that “strong men are not frightened by strong women; they empower and celebrate them.”

She encouraged young girls across Sierra Leone not to give up on their dreams despite criticism and challenges, maintaining that the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act was designed to empower women as equal partners in national development.

Mrs. Bio also defended President Bio’s international engagements, saying such visits are necessary for attracting investment and creating opportunities to support Sierra Leone’s development efforts.

Earlier at the event, the Chairman of the SLPP UK & Ireland Region, Alhajie Mohamed Jalloh, called for discipline, peace, and unity within the party. He praised the achievements of President Bio’s administration and encouraged members to support calls by President Bio and the SLPP leadership for reconciliation and harmony within the party.

Several speakers, including Robbin Falley, Sheku Fofanah, Karamo Dabo, Khadie Fresh, Shar Changati, and Alhaji Kamara, praised the First Lady for her advocacy work, loyalty to President Bio, and contribution to strengthening the SLPP both nationally and internationally.

The event was closed by Sierra Leone’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Yvonne King Odigboh, who urged Sierra Leoneans to embrace reconciliation and unity in order to preserve the peace and progress achieved under President Bio’s leadership.