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A new survey by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) reveals that Mr. Sheik Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the only potential presidential flagbearer with more than 50 percent voter endorsement, according to the organisation’s latest report.
The study, titled Sierra Leone’s Political Marathon: Internal Democracy of Political Parties – Volume One (December 2025), was conducted nationwide between December 9 and 14, 2025, and provides a baseline assessment of internal party democracy and voter preferences ahead of the 2028 general election.
The IGR report shows that Jagaban leads in both likability and electability, making him the most favoured aspirant among self-identified party members and supporters. No other candidate from either the APC or the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) secured a majority approval, leaving the SLPP nomination contest open and competitive.
According to the survey results, Jagaban received a 63 percent national likability rating and 51 percent electability, the highest of any potential candidate included in the research. The findings suggest that Jagaban’s appeal extends beyond his own party base, indicating broad support across different voter groups.
The report also highlights that ordinary party members feel sidelined in internal decision-making processes. While delegates chosen at the local and national levels are officially responsible for selecting flagbearer candidates, many party supporters believe decisions are heavily influenced by a small number of senior officials.
In addition to individual candidate preferences, the IGR survey found that voters prioritise specific qualities in a flagbearer, including education, leadership experience and the ability to contribute financially to the party. Respondents also expressed strong views on national issues: a significant majority support limiting presidential tenure to two terms, and more than half oppose close relatives of serving presidents running for office immediately after the incumbent leaves power.
The report notes that only 18 percent of party members say they take part in primary nomination processes, and 26 percent say they vote in primaries, underscoring limited participation in internal party elections.
The IGR survey involved 1,200 respondents drawn from 150 enumeration areas across the country and is statistically representative of the national voting-age population. The findings carry a margin of error of ±3 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
By documenting voter attitudes toward party democracy and leadership preferences, the IGR report aims to inform political parties and the public as Sierra Leone prepares for another pivotal election year.
