Turad Senesie Cites SLPP Constitution in Ruling Out Flagbearer Bid
Osman Tolo Sesay Lands Minister Dr. Turad Senesie has ruled out any immediate interest in succeeding President Julius Maada Bio as the Sierra Leone People’s Party’s flagbearer, citing the party’s constitutional requirements.
Speaking to Truth Media, Senesie said he is currently not qualified to seek the position because he does not hold the status of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron, which he identified as a requirement under the SLPP Constitution.
“The reason why I do not have the intention is because I am disqualified by the SLPP Constitution from being a Distinguished Grand Chief Patron,” he said.
Senesie said he is instead 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.
His comments come as the SLPP faces growing discussion over its leadership succession ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The constitutional requirement cited by Senesie has previously featured prominently in debate over eligibility for the party’s presidential ticket. In February, SLPP National Secretary General Umarr Paran Tarawally said only seven members then met the party’s stated requirements to contest for flagbearer, including holding Distinguished Grand Chief Patron status for at least five years and maintaining the required party dues.
Those named by Tarawally 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 said 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 maintained that President Bio would provide political guidance when the time comes for the party to select or elect its next flagbearer.