Presidential candidate for the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Martina Baindu Egbenda, has issued a disclaimer distancing herself and her campaign from a purported presidential debate reportedly being organized and publicized by AYV Television ahead of the Association’s upcoming elections.
In a press release dated 25th June 2026, Egbenda stated that her attention had been drawn to online publications and promotional materials circulated by AYV Television suggesting her participation in a debate involving candidates contesting for the SLBA presidency.
However, she clarified that neither she nor her campaign team had been consulted, invited, or had agreed to participate in any such programme.
“For the avoidance of doubt, neither I nor my campaign has been consulted, invited, or agreed to participate in any such proposed debate,” Egbenda stated.
She further emphasized that any publication or material indicating her involvement was made without her knowledge or consent.
Egbenda called on media institutions to exercise greater professionalism and diligence by verifying information directly with her campaign before associating her candidacy with any event or programme.
“I respectfully request that media organisations exercise greater diligence by verifying information directly with my campaign before publishing or broadcasting material associating my candidacy with any event or programme,” she noted.
The presidential hopeful also used the opportunity to draw attention back to what she described as the more pressing concerns surrounding the electoral process, particularly the continued closure of subscription payments despite the postponement of the elections.
According to her, many members remain concerned about being unable to regularize their subscriptions and participate in the affairs of the Association, a matter she believes should take precedence over discussions about campaign debates.
“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,” she stated.
Egbenda stressed that the immediate focus of the Bar Association should be on ensuring an electoral process that is open, transparent, inclusive, and credible.
“The immediate priority should be ensuring an open, transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process. Everything else is secondary,” she concluded.
