The outgoing Women’s Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) Canada Branch and aspiring Publicity Relations Officer (PRO) for the APC Diaspora 6th Region, Kado, has warned against any attempt to extend the tenure of the current Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government beyond the 2028 electoral cycle.
In a statement titled “2028 Is Not Negotiable: Our Democracy Cannot Be Stretched for Political Convenience,” Kado said growing discussions about a possible extension of the government’s tenure should not be dismissed as ordinary political commentary.
She cited recent remarks by SLPP National Publicity Secretary Moses Sellu Mambu during an appearance on Liberty TV, where he reportedly introduced the issue of extending a government’s tenure while responding to a question on another subject. According to Kado, Mambu referenced the Ebola period as a precedent but declined to elaborate when asked further, saying he was on the programme for a different purpose.
Kado also alleged that Mambu had previously made similar comments on the online programme Wi Yard and during an appearance on Epic Radio, where he reportedly suggested that elections would not be held in 2028.
She questioned whether the repeated remarks represented personal opinions or an attempt to test public reaction and prepare citizens for a possible extension of political power.
Kado particularly criticised the reported reference to the Ebola outbreak, describing the crisis as a national emergency that resulted in significant loss of life, placed severe pressure on the health system and disrupted normal activities across the country.
She argued that the circumstances surrounding the Ebola outbreak should not be used as a justification or precedent for extending a government’s tenure under different circumstances.
According to Kado, the issue goes beyond the SLPP or individual politicians and concerns the protection of Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and constitutional order.
She maintained that elections are a fundamental means through which citizens determine who governs them and warned that altering electoral timelines for political interests could establish a precedent for future governments to remain in power beyond constitutionally expected periods.
“If a government believes it has performed well, let it face the people at the ballot box,” Kado said, arguing that voters should be allowed to decide whether to renew or end a government’s mandate.
She called on Sierra Leoneans to remain peaceful, vigilant, united and committed to protecting the country’s democratic processes, while urging political leaders to focus on issues including development, employment, healthcare, education, economic stability and stronger institutions.
Kado concluded by insisting that “2028 must remain 2028,” while calling for what she described as no political manipulation, manufactured excuses or unnecessary extension of political power.
She urged citizens to defend their right to vote and stressed that political power is entrusted to leaders by the people and should not be treated as permanent.
