By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – February 2026: The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has confirmed that only seven individuals currently qualify to contest for the party’s flag bearer position ahead of the 2028 general elections. The announcement was made by National Secretary General Hon. Umarr Paran Tarawally, in line with the SLPP Constitution adopted in August 2020.
While the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and other senior party figures made the list, two notable names were absent: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and former presidential aspirant Dr. Kandeh Yumkela. Their exclusion has already sparked discussions within party circles about the future direction of SLPP leadership.
Strict Constitutional Compliance
Hon. Tarawally explained that eligibility is strictly guided by membership within the category of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron. Only individuals who have served in this category for at least five years and have consistently paid their dues are permitted to contest.
The seven qualified contenders are:
- Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh (Vice President)
- Dr. Prince Alex Harding
- Umaru Napoleon Koroma
- Sulaiman Banja Tejan-Sie
- Jacob Jusu Saffa
- John Oponjo Benjamin
- Alhaji Momodu Koroma
Constitutional Framework
Citing Article 2(e) of the SLPP Constitution, Tarawally outlined that Distinguished Grand Chief Patron status is reserved for those who have previously held senior leadership positions such as Leader, Deputy Leader, National Chairman, National Secretary General, Presidential Candidate, or Vice Presidential Candidate.
He clarified that while the Constitution allows for exceptional conferral of the title by the National Executive Council (NEC) or Party Conference, no such resolution has been passed since 2020. “There is no Resolution to confirm such conferral since 2020,” Tarawally emphasized, underscoring the importance of documented compliance over informal claims.
Shaping Party Dynamics Ahead of 2028
With general elections slated for 2028, the clarification is expected to shape internal party discussions and political alignments. The absence of Chief Minister Sengeh and Dr. Yumkela from the list of eligible contenders is seen by observers as a significant development, potentially reshaping the balance of power within the SLPP.
By limiting eligibility to those who meet constitutional requirements, the SLPP leadership signals a firm commitment to internal democracy and procedural integrity. Political analysts note that early clarification of eligibility criteria may help prevent disputes and ensure transparency as the party prepares for its next leadership transition.