The Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) National Secretary General, Umar Paran Tarawally, has rejected recent remarks attributed to the party's National Chairman, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, concerning the selection of the next presidential flagbearer. Tarawally's comments address an internal dispute over the party's leadership succession process, specifically challenging the notion that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio would personally select the party’s next presidential flagbearer. This rejection shows a growing tension within the party regarding established protocols and the authority of its leadership figures.
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Umar Paran Tarawally stated on AYV’s State of the Nation programme that Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa's suggestion that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio would personally select the party’s next presidential flagbearer does not reflect an official party decision. Tarawally clarified that such a pronouncement from the National Chairman did not represent a formal position adopted by the SLPP. The clarification aims to manage internal expectations and maintain established party protocols regarding flagbearer selection, emphasizing that the party's constitution outlines a specific process for such a critical decision. This public disavowal by the National Secretary General notes a significant divergence in views at the highest levels of the party's administration.
Contrasting Views on Flagbearer Choice
Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa reportedly informed party officials that the SLPP leader would present "a name" for the next flagbearer, and members should follow the leader’s political direction. This directive from the National Chairman suggested a top-down approach to leadership succession, seemingly bypassing the conventional democratic processes within the party. However, SLPP National Secretary General Umar Paran Tarawally countered this, stating, "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’s direct and unequivocal statement publicly challenged the National Chairman's assertion, stressing that such a critical decision must emanate from collective party consensus and established procedures, not individual opinions.
Umar Paran Tarawally affirmed that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has consistently maintained that SLPP delegates should be responsible for deciding who succeeds him as the party's flagbearer. This position, articulated by President Bio himself, emphasizes the democratic principles that the party is expected to uphold in its internal electoral processes. Tarawally further disclosed that the SLPP anticipates convening its delegates between March and April 2027. The delegates’ gathering during this period will be specifically for the purpose of selecting the flagbearer. This planned convention provides a clear timeline for the official selection process, reinforcing the idea that the decision will be made by a broad representation of the party's membership, rather than a single individual. The expectation is that this delegates' conference will serve as the legitimate platform for determining the party's future presidential candidate.
Criticism of Party Chairman's Actions
SLPP National Trustee for the Eastern Region, Dr. James Vibbi, accused Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa of engaging in political "mind games" with party members. Dr. Vibbi made these remarks during an appearance on Truth FM 103.9’s Morning Devotion programme on August 26, 2026. His comments highlight growing discontent within the party regarding the National Chairman's public statements on the flagbearer selection process, indicating that the Chairman's actions are perceived as divisive and potentially misleading. Dr. Vibbi's intervention signals that the concerns are not limited to the National Secretary General but are shared by other influential figures within the party's structure.
Dr. Vibbi specifically criticized Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa's approach to leadership and communication within the Sierra Leone People's Party. He stated, "Jimmy Batilo Songa’s statement and actions are un-chairmanlike. I might write to the Secretary General, for the attention of the party leader, regarding the chairman’s actions and statements." This indicates a potential formal complaint against the National Chairman, signaling a deepening rift over the party's internal procedures and the conduct of its senior officials. The call for a formal letter to the Secretary General, Umar Paran Tarawally, for the attention of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, suggests a desire to escalate the matter to the highest levels of the party's leadership for resolution. Such a move would formally bring the dispute to the attention of the party's ultimate authority, potentially leading to an internal investigation or disciplinary action.
Conflicting Election Timelines Emerge
Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) National Public Relations Officer, Moses Mambu, has introduced a new timeline for future elections, reportedly referring repeatedly to the party winning the "2028 or 2030 elections" during an appearance on Liberty Online TV. This statement from Mambu contrasts with the general expectation that Sierra Leone's next presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2028. His comments suggest a potential ambiguity within the party regarding the precise timing of the upcoming national polls, raising questions about the party's strategic planning and communication. The Public Relations Officer's remarks contribute to the ongoing internal discussions within the SLPP, particularly concerning future political strategies and electoral preparations, and could create uncertainty among the party's rank and file as well as the general public.
Call for Party Unity
Salone Political Watch urged the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) leadership to issue a collective statement. This call aims to prevent conflicting interpretations of party decisions from causing further divisions among members. The organization emphasized the need for unified communication to maintain internal cohesion within the party, especially given the recent public disagreements among senior officials. A unified statement, Salone Political Watch suggested, would clarify the party's official stance on critical issues such as flagbearer selection and election timelines, thereby reducing speculation and internal discord. Such a move would be key for projecting an image of stability and unity to both party members and the wider electorate.
