𝐒𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐕𝐏 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐡 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫

“Dr. Juldeh Jalloh has stood by the president through every storm. He’s earned his stripes – now he must lead!”

editorApril 10, 20252 Mins read15 Views

Thousands of grassroots supporters within the ruling the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) are mounting a fierce campaign to draw Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh into the 2028 presidential race, declaring him as the party’s “only unifying figure” capable of securing a successive third term victory for the party amid rising political tensions.

From the diamond-rich district of Kono to the bustling streets of Freetown, chants of “Juldeh na we only hope!” continue to echo within grassroots communities as party faithful argue that the VP’s loyalty, cross-regional appeal, and humble nature make him indispensable to the SLPP’s 2028 survival.

“Dr. Juldeh Jalloh has stood by the president through every storm. He’s earned his stripes – now he must lead!” said Mariama C. Lebbie, a diehard SLPP Women’s Grassroots Leader in Bo District.

Supporters cite Dr Juldeh Jalloh’s role in promoting President Bio’s flagship Free Quality Education program, his deft handling of economic crises, and his rare ability to bridge Sierra Leone’s North-South divide.

Unlike other flag bearer aspirants, they noted that Dr Juldeh Jalloh commands respect in traditional APC strongholds like Port Loko, Falaba, Koinadugu Bombali, and Kambia, where his constant engagements with the people have softened opposition strongholds.

“He is very humble and very respectful. He does his work without noise and drama. Dr Juldeh Jalloh always delivers without noise. He’s not a talker; he’s a doer. The SLPP loses if we ignore him in 2028,” insisted Alhaji Sankoh, a youth leader in Makeni, a historic APC fortress.

Critics within the SLPP have quietly floated alternative candidates, but grassroots voices are unmoved.

“Who else has Dr Juldeh Jalloh’s resume? Who else has his discipline? Who else can look the North and South in the eye and say, ‘I served you all’?” argued Samuel Kallon, a party supporter in Kenema.

Dr Juldeh Jalloh’s allies highlight his unwavering loyalty and commitment to Bio and the ideas of the SLPP, a stark contrast to past SLPP internal rivalries that fractured the party.

“He’s the only leader who won’t trash President Bio’s legacy to score points. With Dr Juldeh Jalloh, it will be continuity and progress. He has learned a lot from his boss, the President. We are also joining others to beg him to declare for the Presidency in 2028. Only Juldeh Jalloh can unite and keep us together. That unity is how we win again,” said a senior SLPP-MP from Kenema who requested anonymity.

Across the aisle, APC strategists privately admit Juldeh Jalloh’s candidacy could crumble their 2028 plans.

“He’s untouchable on corruption claims, and he’s built bridges in our backyard. Dr Juldeh Jalloh is our worst-case scenario,” confessed an APC insider in Freetown.

Even neutral observers acknowledge Juldeh’s edge.

“He’s the SLPP’s safest bet – a technocrat with a clean record and no tribal baggage. If he runs, the APC will need a miracle,” said political analyst Fatmata Mamoud Bangura.

The vice president has yet to publicly address the calls, but sources close to him say he’s “listening.”

Meanwhile, President Bio remains conspicuously silent, fueling speculation about a behind-the-scenes succession plan.

For SLPP foot soldiers, the message is clear: “We carried Bio to victory. Now we demand Juldeh. If the elites ignore us, we are doomed,” warned Lansana Conteh, a mobilizer in Tonkolili.

As the 2028 race heats up, one thing is certain: Juldeh-Jalloh is no longer a whisper – it’s a roar.

In Sierra Leonean politics, the roar of the grassroots is often a prophecy.