By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio urged delegates of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to uphold unity, discipline and democratic principles as the party elected its new national executive during the 14th National Delegates Conference, which commenced on July 30 and concluded on July 31, 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre.
Delivering his keynote address on the opening day, President Bio clarified that he had not endorsed any candidate for any position, emphasizing the importance of a free and fair process. “Let the delegates decide. May the best candidate win,” he stated.
The two-day conference, which began with interfaith prayers and the adoption of the agenda, is widely seen as a pivotal moment in the SLPP’s preparations for the 2028 General Elections.
President Bio described the gathering as “a moment of pride, purpose and responsibility,” commending the outgoing executive led by Dr. Prince Alex Harding for guiding the party to victory in the 2018 and 2023 elections. “It is now our collective duty to build upon that legacy,” he noted.
He urged delegates to conduct themselves with political maturity. “Politics is not war. Debate is not destruction. Disagreement is not betrayal. Let this be a contest of character, not chaos; of vision, not vitriol,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on the SLPP’s historic legacy since its founding in 1951, the President paid tribute to pioneering leaders such as Sir Milton Margai, Madam Ella Koblo Gulama, PC Bai Shebora Yumkella and Banja Tejan-Sie. “We are not gathered as factions but as one family united in purpose,” he told delegates.
Outgoing National Chairman Dr. Prince Alex Harding, in an emotional farewell, praised President Bio’s leadership and called on members to unite behind the party’s future flagbearer. “I may be stepping down as chairman but I will remain committed to the SLPP,” he assured.
The event also drew attention from other political stakeholders. Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh, Acting Chairman of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), extended fraternal greetings, commending the SLPP’s internal democratic process. “The leadership you elect today strengthens not only your party but our democracy as a whole,” he said.
Secretary-General of the All Political Parties Association (APPA), Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, lauded President Bio’s efforts in fostering peace, national cohesion and gender empowerment, calling for leadership that would sustain those achievements.
Outgoing SLPP Secretary-General, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, highlighted the party’s milestones under his tenure, including two consecutive election victories, expanded parliamentary representation, acquisition of party-owned properties and stronger international relations. “We have laid the foundation for future success,” he declared.
As the two-day conference closed on July 31, 2025, the newly elected leadership team was tasked with steering the SLPP towards consolidating unity and shaping the party’s political strategy ahead of the 2028 General Elections.
The Calabash Newspaper is Sierra Leone’s leading English‑language news platform—established in 2017 to deliver trusted coverage of politics, culture, health, and more to audiences both at home and abroad.
