The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) through its National Executive Council (NEC) has warned all wannabe flagbearer aspirants to stop the ongoing political campaigns for the position and focus on promoting President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s development Agenda.
Speaking in an interview with AYV, National Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party, Umaru Napoleon Koroma said the National Advisory Council (NAC), the highest decision-making body of the Party, has announced its commitment to uphold party unity by implementing immediate suspensions for any members actively campaigning for the position of flagbearer.
He said the measure aims to ensure a fair and orderly selection process for the Party’s leadership.
Umaru Napoleon Koroma said the NAC has also promised to informed it members on the appropriate date for the commencement of campaign, adding that this perspective reflects a desire for unity and focus on current governance rather than a premature dive into electoral politics.
Similarly, recently, the Party’s National Leader, Dr. Julius Maada Bio during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the SLPP headquarters on Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown, issued similar warning that any member found campaigning for the flagbearer position would face serious consequences, including suspension or expulsion from the party.
Dr. Bio said: “No member of the SLPP is allowed to campaign for the 2028 presidential flagbearer ticket. If anyone dares, they will be suspended or expelled from the party”.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising the SLPP-led government’s agenda, particularly the implementation of the Big-Five Game Changer initiative outlined in his second-term manifesto.
Dr. Bio cautioned that premature campaigning for the flagbearer position could derail the government’s development plans and distract the party from its objectives; adding: “…we must remain united and focused on delivering for the people of Sierra Leone. Succession debates at this time will only serve to weaken our agenda”.
The directive comes amid growing speculation and early campaign efforts by prominent SLPP members eyeing the 2028 flagbearer position. The SLPP’s firm stance aims to prevent divisions within the party as these early moves had begun to spark internal debates and potential rivalries.
Party members are urged to channel their energy towards supporting the government’s development initiatives rather than engaging in internal political contests. The SLPP reiterated that the Party’s unity and discipline are crucial for the successful implementation of its policies and the continuation of its governance agenda.
