Sierra Leone People’s Party disputes succession remarks

Internal friction has emerged within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) following remarks by National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa regarding the selection of the party’s next flagbearer. Songa reportedly suggested that constituency chairmen should await a directive from President Julius Maada Bio to determine the successor.

SLPP Secretary General Paran Tarawally has rejected these comments, stating they represent Songa’s personal opinion rather than the official party position. Tarawally emphasized that President Bio has maintained that party delegates must decide the next flagbearer, with a full delegates convention expected between March and April 2027.

The Direct Think Tank Initiative, a civil society organization, has also condemned Songa’s statements. The group called for an apology, arguing that predetermining succession undermines the party’s constitution and the democratic authority of the National Delegates Conference.