Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has ignited a flurry of speculation after posting on Facebook, “Guys, I’ve had enough fun. I’m retiring from politics.”

The post, made on Tuesday, has been widely perceived as an April Fool’s Day prank, particularly following an earlier, erroneous report by Sierraloaded claiming that Sengeh and ten other cabinet members had been dismissed.

The timing of Sengeh’s post, coinciding with April 1st, has led many to dismiss it as a jest. However, it comes amidst a backdrop of reported political tensions, notably a perceived rift between Sengeh and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio.

Dr. Sengeh, a prominent figure in President Julius Maada Bio’s government and a rumored 2028 presidential hopeful for the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has risen rapidly in Sierra Leonean politics. Beginning as the nation’s first Chief Innovation Officer, he later served as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education before his appointment as Chief Minister in 2023. His tenure has been marked by philanthropic efforts and community engagement.

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However, recent events have highlighted a potential strain in his relationship with the First Lady. During a protest in Kono on March 6, 2025, Fatima Maada Bio publicly criticized Koidu Limited for including Chief Minister Sengeh and the Mines Minister in correspondence while excluding the Labour Minister, who was working closely with her. “Who is David Sengeh for Koidu Limited to write to me and copy him?” she questioned, suggesting a perceived disrespect.

This incident follows earlier speculation regarding a rivalry, stemming from the public acknowledgement of Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s role in securing Sierra Leone’s $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, following Sengeh’s initial claim of having secured the deal. Also an alleged cryptic message from the first Lady on social media from October 2024, has been added to the speculation of the rift.

The apparent tensions have also fueled online debates among supporters of both figures. Sengeh, in his January New Year’s message, publicly distanced himself from any online attacks against the First Lady, emphasizing his commitment to respect and civility.

Political analysts suggest that the reported friction may be linked to the 2028 presidential race, with Sengeh having established the Radical Inclusion Movement, a political group, which has strengthened speculations about his aspirations.

While the true nature of Sengeh’s Facebook post remains uncertain, it has served to amplify the existing political discourse surrounding his relationship with the First Lady and his potential future ambitions.