President Bio’s Government of National Unity Scam, Come 2028!

Julius Maada Bio

By Alpha Amadu Jalloh

President Julius Maada Bio has been making waves with talk of a “Government of National Unity” in Sierra Leone. At first glance, it sounds noble, a leadership that transcends partisan politics, unites the nation, and embraces inclusivity. Yet, beneath the lofty rhetoric lies a tangle of contradictions, opportunism, and political maneuvering that demands scrutiny.

The questions we must ask are clear. What exactly does President Bio mean by a government of national unity in 2028? Is he assuming that the SLPP will win the elections in 2028, and on what basis is this assumption made? If the future victory of the SLPP is indeed his certainty, why then does he feel compelled to speak about a government of national unity now, in the middle of a term that is far from over? Why not reserve this plan for 2028, when, presumably, it would be contextually relevant?

More importantly, why not form a government of national unity now while in the middle of his second term? This current administration remains highly contentious. The 2023 elections left the nation bitterly divided, with results still viewed by many as questionable. If ever there was a time to appease the opposition and reassure citizens, it is now. Why should Sierra Leoneans wait until 2028 for unity when the fractures are bleeding today? If the President is genuine about bridging divides, why not bring the APC and other opposition voices into governance immediately to heal the wounds of mistrust? Would that not demonstrate sincerity rather than suspicion?

There is also the lingering question of whether President Bio harbors ambitions for a third term. Publicly, he has denied any desire to extend his stay in office beyond the constitutional two-term limit. Yet, the discourse around a national unity government raises uncomfortable suspicions. Is this talk of national unity nothing more than a political smokescreen to test public reaction and lay the groundwork for continued dominance?

The President must surely understand the doubt he has created in the minds of Sierra Leoneans. The shadow cast over the 2028 elections is already tangible. By inserting ideas like the Proportional Representation system, which contrasts sharply with the long-standing First-Past-The-Post system, Bio has sown seeds of uncertainty, confusion, and potential conflict. Is this shift towards proportional representation genuinely intended to make elections more inclusive, or is it a calculated move to manipulate outcomes in favor of a select few?

Part of this stage is being prepared through strategic appointments, such as that of Edmond Alpha. His selection raises serious concerns. Many Sierra Leoneans remember his remarks on running elections “like 2023,” a reference to an election widely regarded as controversial and a bone of contention. If Alpha’s track record signals anything, it is a propensity for partisanship and for undermining electoral credibility. Placing individuals who are susceptible to interference from above into critical positions only fuels public skepticism. How can Sierra Leoneans trust the management of future elections when those at the helm are known for compromise, influence from political masters, and a disregard for transparency?

Moreover, the broader picture of governance under President Bio has been equally troubling. Every sector of government seems plagued by questionable practices. Decisions are rarely made with clarity, transparency, or regard for public interest. Everything revolves around the President and his immediate circle, rather than the people. The pattern of interference from above has weakened institutional integrity across the board. From ministries to public agencies, those in charge are often constrained by political loyalty rather than competence, leaving the system riddled with inefficiency, confusion, and distrust.

Was there any agreement with opposition parties, particularly the APC, regarding this proposed government of national unity? Or is this a unilateral declaration designed to pressure political actors into acquiescence? If the President truly intends inclusivity, why have the main stakeholders in the SLPP and the wider political spectrum not been consulted transparently?

The response or lack thereof from within the SLPP itself raises further concerns. Party insiders and ambitious figures clamoring for the SLPP flag bearer position are understandably anxious. Are these individuals mere observers to a plan orchestrated by President Bio to consolidate power under the guise of unity? Will their political ambitions be recognized, or will they be sidelined in a strategic design that centralizes authority in the hands of the incumbent President even after his term ends?

President Bio’s references to a government of national unity also beg a critical question. Does he genuinely believe he will have any real authority over the SLPP after 2026, 2027, or 2028? History shows that once political leaders exit formal office, their influence can wane, sometimes dramatically. Is Bio assuming he can wield the same power as former President Ernest Bai Koroma, whose continued control over the APC has been formidable? And even if he believes this, is it realistic to expect a similar level of post-presidency dominance within the SLPP, given the ambitions, rivalries, and factionalism within his party?

It is impossible to ignore the deceptive elements embedded in the President’s facade. The government of national unity, as presented, projects an image of collaboration, inclusivity, and national cohesion. Yet, closer inspection reveals a strategy that may be more about consolidating SLPP influence, intimidating opposition forces, and shaping the political landscape in anticipation of 2028. How can Sierra Leoneans trust that this purported inclusivity is anything but a calculated move to secure partisan advantage under the cloak of national interest?

Consider also the timing of these pronouncements. Why raise the idea of a government of national unity in the future, when the present is riddled with contention? The answer, as patterns in Sierra Leonean politics suggest, is that timing is everything when it comes to influence. By planting this idea early, President Bio not only controls the narrative but also keeps opposition parties off balance. The APC, uncertain about the President’s intentions, may be forced into defensive positions, while SLPP loyalists may hesitate to challenge internal hierarchies for fear of being branded as divisive.

Furthermore, the conceptual shift towards proportional representation raises serious concerns about democratic integrity. While proportional representation can be an instrument of fairer representation, in Sierra Leone, it could easily become a tool for manipulating parliamentary composition. Who decides the allocation of PR seats? How transparent will the process be? Will this system favor the SLPP disproportionately under the guise of reform? President Bio owes Sierra Leoneans a full explanation.

Another dimension to this so-called government of national unity is the lack of clarity regarding roles, powers, and limitations. Will opposition parties have meaningful influence, or will they be included nominally, merely as window dressing for international observers and domestic audiences? Real unity requires shared decision-making and mutual respect, not superficial appointments that mask continued dominance.

Meanwhile, the stakes for SLPP insiders are immense. Individuals aspiring to run for the party’s flag bearer position must ask themselves. Will their candidacies be genuinely respected, or are they being preemptively neutralized by a leadership strategy that prioritizes consolidation over competition? The notion of unity can easily be weaponized to suppress dissent within the party, under the justification of national interest.

President Bio must also grapple with a fundamental question of legacy. Does he envision himself as a unifier, or is he more accurately a political tactician testing the waters for extended influence? The distinction is crucial. A unifier elevates national discourse, fosters trust, and strengthens democratic institutions. A tactician manipulates timing, perception, and procedural ambiguities to maintain personal or partisan advantage. Current signals suggest a troubling tilt toward the latter.

What further undermines the credibility of this plan is the lack of consultation with civil society, traditional authorities, and other key stakeholders. National unity cannot be decreed from State House alone. It requires dialogue, transparency, and buy-in from a broad spectrum of society. Without this, the government of national unity risks being little more than a PR stunt, designed to create the illusion of inclusion while maintaining tight control over the levers of power.

In light of these questions, Sierra Leoneans must also consider the broader implications for democracy. By suggesting a government of national unity years ahead of the election, the President sets a precedent where future leaders may feel entitled to manipulate political frameworks preemptively. This undermines the principle of competitive elections and fuels cynicism among the electorate.

At its core, the government of national unity, as proposed by President Bio, is shrouded in ambiguity. Is it a visionary effort to promote inclusivity, or a clever political strategy to shape the post-2026 landscape in SLPP’s favor? The questions raised are not mere academic exercises. They are central to the health of Sierra Leonean democracy. If citizens do not demand clarity, accountability, and transparency now, they risk inheriting a political environment where party dominance is disguised as national interest.

President Bio must address the following directly. Does he genuinely believe the SLPP will win the 2028 elections, and on what basis? Why announce plans for a government of national unity years before it becomes relevant? Why not implement it now, when the country is fractured and unity is urgently needed? Has he sought agreement or dialogue with opposition parties, particularly the APC? How does he intend to reconcile the PR system proposal with the expectations of free, fair, and transparent elections? What assurances can he give to SLPP insiders seeking to compete for party leadership? Does he believe he will wield influence over the SLPP post-presidency comparable to former President Koroma’s control over the APC?

Without clear answers, the notion of a government of national unity risks becoming a cynical political ploy. Deceptive in timing, opaque in consultation, and potentially manipulative in design, the concept could deepen divisions rather than heal them. It may entrench uncertainty over the 2028 elections, destabilize party dynamics, and erode trust in democratic institutions.

Sierra Leoneans deserve honest answers. They deserve transparency about intentions, processes, and long-term political strategy. A government of national unity should be about genuine collaboration, not strategic maneuvering under the guise of inclusivity. President Bio owes the people a clear explanation. Is this vision about uniting the nation, or is it a calculated campaign tactic years before the ballot?

Come 2028, the people of Sierra Leone will not simply remember words. They will remember actions. And if the government of national unity is little more than a political facade, its legacy will be one of deception, division, and distrust.