-Mayor Aki Sawyer Proclaims
Freetown’s Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has reportedly expressed confidence that the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) will lose political power in the 2028 elections, making the declaration during an interview on Liberty Online TV.
Speaking during the interview, Mayor Aki Sawyer reportedly shared her views on the country’s political direction, governance and the growing expectations surrounding the next general elections. Her statement that “SLPP will go in 2028” has since generated political discussion, particularly as parties and political actors begin positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest.
The Mayor’s declaration comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Sierra Leone is increasingly focused on the 2028 elections. Both the SLPP and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), alongside other political parties and emerging political movements, are expected to intensify their grassroots mobilisation and public engagement ahead of the polls.
Mayor Aki Sawyer, a prominent opposition political figure, has remained an outspoken voice on national governance and political issues. Her latest remarks are therefore likely to attract significant attention among political observers and supporters across the country.
2028 Already Emerging
The 2028 elections are widely expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Sierra Leone’s recent history. With political parties already discussing leadership, succession, reforms, development and the performance of the current administration, statements from influential political figures are increasingly shaping public debate.
For the SLPP, the coming period presents the challenge of defending its record in government and convincing voters that it deserves another opportunity to lead the country. The opposition, on the other hand, is expected to use the period leading to the elections to highlight what it considers shortcomings in governance while presenting alternative policies and leadership.
Against this background, Mayor Aki Sawyer’s prediction that the SLPP will leave office in 2028 represents a clear expression of confidence from the opposition camp.
Political Competition Expected to Intensify
As 2028 approaches, political competition is expected to move beyond party headquarters and become increasingly visible at the grassroots level.
Political actors are likely to focus heavily on youth employment, the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, food prices, governance, accountability and the general cost of living.
The ability of political parties to connect their national messages with the everyday experiences of ordinary Sierra Leoneans could become a major factor in determining voter attitudes.
Mayor Aki Sawyer’s statement has therefore added another dimension to the growing conversation about whether the SLPP can retain power or whether Sierra Leoneans will choose a new political direction in 2028.
A Challenge to the Ruling Party
The declaration can also be viewed as a direct political challenge to the SLPP as the country moves closer to the next presidential and general elections.
For supporters of the ruling party, such predictions are likely to be rejected as premature, with the SLPP expected to defend its achievements and mobilise its supporters ahead of the election.
For opposition supporters, however, the Mayor’s statement could reinforce their belief that the political landscape is changing and that 2028 could provide an opportunity for a transfer of power.
With several political parties and potential candidates expected to play important roles in the coming political season, the contest is likely to generate intense debate over who has the strongest grassroots support and the most convincing national agenda.
The Road to 2028
Although the election is still ahead, political discussions surrounding 2028 are already gaining momentum. Statements such as Mayor Aki Sawyer’s are likely to continue dominating political conversations as parties seek to define their messages and strengthen their support bases.
Whether the SLPP will retain power or, as Mayor Aki Sawyer predicted, “go in 2028” will ultimately be decided by Sierra Leonean voters through the electoral process.
For now, her declaration has added fuel to an already growing national debate over the future political direction of Sierra Leone.
The road to 2028 has clearly begun, and the political battle for the hearts and minds of Sierra Leoneans is expected to become even more intense in the months ahead.
