Ernest Koroma Holds the Key to Fatima Bio’s Presidential Bid – John Caulker

The possibility of First Lady Fatima Bio entering the 2028 presidential race has raised questions among the public, and civil society leader John Caulker has weighed in with his perspective.

Speaking on an online TV discussion program, Caulker, who is the Executive Director of Fambul Tok, said that under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) constitution, there are clear procedures for selecting a flagbearer. According to him, the path for Fatima Bio to become a candidate is not straightforward  and it may depend on an unlikely figure.

“As it is now, it’s presently only one person that can make Fatima Bio a candidate, and that person is former President Ernest Bai Koroma,” Caulker said.

He did not go into detail about how exactly the former APC president could influence such an outcome but hinted that it would take a unique turn of events for her to secure a place on the ballot.

When asked whether Fatima Bio is positioning herself for a “safe space landing” into the presidential race, Caulker said the odds are low but not impossible. “The chances are really odd realistically,” he explained. “But if she comes up with a very good strategy and is able to get hands in the lower levels election, it could change things.”

John Caulker noted that Fatima Bio plays a major role in both the inner workings of the SLPP and the country’s governance. He described her as one of the most influential First Ladies Sierra Leone has ever had.

The discussion has added more attention to the ongoing speculation about Fatima Bio’s political future. While nothing official has been declared, her rising visibility and growing influence continue to draw attention as the country heads closer to the next election.