FREETOWN, 14th October 2026 – A new national survey by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) has identified businessman Mohamed Omodu Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban, and First Lady Fatima Bio as early frontrunners in the race to become presidential flagbearers for the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The findings are contained in the October 2026 edition of the IGR’s report series – Sierra Leone’s Political Marathon, Volume II, titled “Battle for 2028: Inside the APC and SLPP Flagbearer Showdown”.
According to the report, 70.9 percent of surveyed APC delegates indicated support for a group of three leading aspirants, which includes Jagaban. On the SLPP side, 62.4 percent of surveyed delegates expressed preference for a group of three aspirants that includes First Lady Fatima Bio.
IGR clarified that the figures reflect combined preferences for the respective groups of aspirants and should not be interpreted as individual support levels for Jagaban or Fatima Bio alone.
However, when the preferences of ordinary party supporters are combined with those of delegates, Jagaban records *65.8 percent support* within the APC figures presented, while Fatima Bio leads the SLPP field with 48 percent.
The survey examines internal party dynamics as both major parties prepare for crucial flagbearer contests that will determine who leads them into the 2028 presidential election.
IGR said the research involved 2,400 likely voters and 1,025 randomly selected APC and SLPP delegates aged 18 and above across the country. The report seeks to assess competing interests, alliances and voting preferences that could influence the selection process.
The findings come at a time of intensified political activity within both parties.
In the APC, several high-profile figures including Dr. Samura Kamara, Dr. Richard Konteh, Dr. Kaifala Marah, and Jagaban have been linked with flagbearer ambitions, though the party is yet to officially open nominations. Jagaban, who is Chairman of the APC Diaspora and a major financier of the party, has gained significant grassroots popularity since the 2023 elections.
In the SLPP, the flagbearer debate has intensified following President Julius Maada Bio’s final term. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, and others have been mentioned among potential contenders. The emergence of First Lady Fatima Bio in the discussions has sparked national debate, with supporters citing her humanitarian work through Hands Off Our Girls, while critics question the precedent of a sitting First Lady seeking to succeed her husband.
IGR noted that in September, Madam Bio reportedly told a gathering of party members in North America that her political engagements involved delegates rather than ordinary supporters – a comment that drew wide attention.
The Institute stressed that its latest report only offers an indication of current preferences among the groups surveyed, and that those preferences could change as the 2028 election approaches and internal party contests develop.
Both the APC and SLPP are expected to hold their flagbearer conventions in 2027.
