By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — Wednesday, October 22, 2025: Ambassador Omrie Golley, a prominent aspirant for the All Peoples Congress (APC) flagbearer position, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning alleged remarks attributed to Jimmy Batilo Songa, the newly elected Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The comments, reportedly suggesting the use of state security forces to prevent an APC victory in the 2028 elections, have sparked concern among opposition leaders and civil society observers.
Speaking in what he described as a defense of democracy and the will of the people, Ambassador Golley warned against any attempt to politicize the country’s security apparatus. “No one, regardless of their position or party affiliation, has the right to call upon the state’s security forces to interfere with the legally expressed political will of the people,” he stated.
Golley described the alleged remarks as “reckless” and “an insult to the sacrifices made by generations of Sierra Leoneans” who fought for democratic governance. He emphasized that the APC remains committed to peace, unity, and democratic principles, citing the peaceful transfer of power in 2018 from the APC government of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to the SLPP administration of President Julius Maada Bio as a testament to the party’s democratic credentials.
Addressing members of the security forces directly, Golley urged them to uphold their constitutional duty to the nation rather than any political party. “You are the respected guardians of peace, not instruments of division,” he said.
The APC stalwart called on Chairman Songa to issue an immediate and unconditional retraction of the alleged statements, asserting that such a move would demonstrate the SLPP’s commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law.
Golley also referenced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, underscoring its emphasis on democratic transitions through the ballot, not the bullet. He urged SLPP leadership to revisit the TRC’s recommendations as a reminder of the country’s hard-won democratic gains.
In closing, Golley appealed to APC supporters and all peace-loving citizens to remain calm and resolute. “The people’s voice is stronger than any threat,” he declared. “The will of the people will never be suppressed, and the destiny of Sierra Leone will only be determined by the votes of its citizens, freely and fairly cast.”
The statement has added to growing political discourse around the role of security institutions in the lead-up to the 2028 elections, with calls for transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic norms gaining momentum.
In response, the SLPP issued a statement signed by National Secretary General Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally, firmly rejecting the APC’s allegations. The party clarified that Chairman Songa’s remarks were a motivational call to SLPP members and affiliates — referred to as the “Political Army” — to mobilize peacefully and democratically ahead of the 2028 elections.
“The term ‘Political Army’ refers to SLPP leadership, grassroots supporters, marshals, bloggers, and allied groups — not state security forces,” the statement read. “Chairman Songa’s remarks were political, democratic, and lawful. They were a rallying call to legitimate party activism, not a threat to national institutions or democratic values.”