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Presidential candidate for the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Martina Baindu Egbenda, has issued a strong disclaimer distancing herself from online publications and promotional material suggesting her involvement in a proposed presidential debate.
In a press statement issued on 25th June 2026, Egbenda noted that her attention had been drawn to content circulated by AYV Television and other online platforms indicating that SLBA presidential candidates were expected to participate in a debate.
She clarified that neither she nor her campaign team had been consulted, invited, or agreed to take part in any such programme, stressing that any publication suggesting her participation was made without her knowledge or consent.
“For the avoidance of doubt, neither I nor my campaign has been consulted, invited, or agreed to participate in any such proposed debate. Any publication suggesting my participation has been made without my knowledge or consent,” she stated.
Egbenda called on media institutions to exercise greater diligence by verifying information directly with her campaign before publishing or broadcasting material linking her candidacy to any event or programme.
She further expressed concern over what she described as misplaced priorities in the ongoing electoral process, noting that attention should instead be focused on addressing concerns raised by members of the Association.
“At a time when many members continue to question why subscriptions remain closed despite the postponement of the elections, it is unfortunate that attention appears to be directed towards organising or publicising a purported debate rather than resolving the legitimate concerns of members who remain willing to subscribe and participate in the affairs of their own Association,” she stated.
The SLBA presidential hopeful emphasised that the immediate priority should be ensuring an open, transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process, adding that “everything else is secondary.”
Egbenda reaffirmed her commitment to the integrity of the electoral process as she continues her campaign for the presidency of the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
SLBA Martina
