Freetown, 23rd October 2025 — The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has firmly rejected accusations from the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), which alleged that the ruling party is undermining democratic institutions and politicizing the state apparatus.
In a statement signed by the SLPP’s National Secretary General, Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally, the party described the APC’s October 20 press release as “baseless, misleading, and deliberately distorted,” accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation to incite public fear and create division.
The controversy stems from remarks made by SLPP National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, during the party’s recent executive handover ceremony.
The APC claimed Songa urged the President, the military, and party marshals to “stop the APC in 2028.” However, the SLPP insists this interpretation is false and mischievous.
According to the party, Chairman Songa’s comments were a lawful and motivational appeal to members, referred to as the “Political Army” to mobilize peacefully and democratically ahead of future elections. The SLPP clarified that the term referred to party leaders, supporters, and affiliated groups, not state security forces.
“Chairman Songa’s remarks were democratic and in full alignment with constitutional principles,” the statement read. “They were never intended as a threat to any political group or institution.”
The SLPP accused the APC of deliberately twisting the Chairman’s words to fabricate a narrative of political intimidation, describing the opposition’s behavior as “a continuation of its toxic politics of distortion and division.”
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, inclusivity, and democratic governance, the SLPP said it remains focused on advancing national development under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership.
“The SLPP Political Army stands for unity, democracy, and progress,” the statement concluded. “We will continue to lead with integrity and an unwavering belief in the power of democracy.”
