The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ANDREW “Blue” Johnson says he will run as an independent candidate in Freetown in the next general election, months after the Free National Movement declined to nominate him.

Notably, he said former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis briefly stopped by his campaign launch, though he did not personally invite him, and Progressive Liberal Party MP Leroy Major opened the event with a prayer. Dr Minnis has said he will run as an independent candidate in Killarney; Mr Major’s political future in the PLP is unclear.

Mr Johnson’s decision raises questions about whether he could influence the outcome of the race between the two major parties.

He said his move is rooted in a desire to represent the community where he grew up, adding that once the FNM passed him over, he saw no one better suited to serve Freetown.

He told The Tribune his campaign and constituency office were officially launched on Saturday, housed in the barbershop once owned by his late father.

In August, the FNM ratified several candidates ahead of the general election, selecting Lincoln Deal for Freetown. Mr Deal had previously sought the Killarney nomination, saying the assignment was about service rather than geography.

Mr Johnson said at the time of the FNM’s ratification event that while he remained loyal to the FNM, his supporters would not accept him endorsing anyone else if he was not chosen.

Asked whether he still supports the party, he said yesterday: “I am a, most of all, supporter of Free Town and its people. They would override any previous decision. I am not against the FNM, I am not against the PLP. I am not against the COI. I am for the people of Freetown.”

He said he has not spoken to FNM leaders since deciding to run independently and said is unconcerned about taking sides.

Mr Johnson said he will contest the next general election and has invested about $400,000 in his constituency office. He said he has used his own funds to repair at least 50 roofs, clear properties, remove derelict vehicles, help with school uniforms, and provide food vouchers.

“This is my community,” he said. “Everything I've done, I'm contributing back to my community. So it's a win, win, and they can expect more of the same. So imagine if I'm doing this now, just announcing my independent candidacy, what I can do with being a member, officially a member of parliament for the constituency.”

Mr Johnson, a former Shirlea FNM constituency chairman, was born and raised in Kemp Road. He owns and operates Elite Security Agency.