By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, August 26, 2026: A fresh rift has emerged within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) following comments attributed to National Chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, suggesting that President Julius Maada Bio would personally select the party’s next flagbearer.
Songa reportedly told party officials to “wait for President Bio to come name,” a remark that has drawn sharp criticism from senior figures and exposed divisions over succession planning ahead of the 2028 elections.
Eastern Region National Trustee Dr. James Vibbi accused the Chairman of “playing mind games” with members, warning that such statements were intended to instill fear and uncertainty. Vibbi told Truth Media that Songa’s stance revealed a lack of neutrality and undermined confidence in the party’s democratic process.
National Secretary General Umarr Paran Tarawally swiftly rejected the Chairman’s remarks, insisting they were “his personal opinion” and not reflective of the SLPP’s official position or President Bio’s views.
“What Batilo said is his own opinion and does not represent the party. As Secretary General, all I know is that we have not taken that decision. He was very wrong to say so,” Tarawally stated.
He emphasized that President Bio has consistently maintained that delegates, not individuals, will determine the next flagbearer. “President Bio will never communicate such a message to anybody. He has told us time and again that it is the people who have to decide.”
Tarawally further defended the President’s record, describing him as a leader with strong democratic credentials both within the SLPP and nationally. He disclosed that the party is expected to convene its delegates between March and April 2027 to select the flagbearer.
The conflicting statements underscore a widening divide within the SLPP leadership over how succession will be managed as the post-Bio transition approaches. While Songa’s remarks point to a strong role for the President in shaping the process, dissenting voices insist the party must adhere strictly to its democratic structures.
Observers say the episode highlights the delicate balance between party unity and internal contestation as the SLPP prepares for a crucial electoral test in 2028