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A senior member of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), John Oponjo Benjamin, has expressed reservations about First Lady Fatima Bio’s reported ambition to become the party’s flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Liberty TV, Benjamin said the SLPP would rely strictly on its constitution in selecting a flagbearer for the next presidential election. He stressed that internal party rules, rather than public enthusiasm or slogans, would determine eligibility and the eventual choice.
“We are going to follow our constitution,” the veteran politician said, while noting that the current SLPP constitution does not clearly spell out who qualifies to contest for the party’s flagbearer position.
Benjamin also took aim at the popular “EBEMA” slogan being promoted by some supporters of the First Lady. He explained that the term, which originates from the Mende language, conveys uncertainty rather than certainty.
“The word ebema in Mende means it will not happen,” he remarked, casting doubt on the confidence implied by the slogan.
His comments have sparked fresh debate within the ruling party and showcased growing divisions among its senior ranks. Observers say the remarks reflect an emerging contrast between the enthusiasm of younger party supporters and the caution being expressed by some figures at the top of the SLPP hierarchy.
Despite the internal disagreements, recent polling suggests that Fatima Bio remains a strong contender. A survey conducted by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) placed the First Lady among the leading figures for the SLPP flagbearer position, with only Kandeh Yumkella and Chief Minister David Sengeh ranking ahead of her.
As discussions about 2028 gather momentum, Benjamin’s intervention underscores the likelihood of an intense and closely watched contest within the governing party.
