By Mohamed Kamara
Political commentators have wasted no time describing Sierra Leone’s political climate as a decade-long rhapsody of unresolved tensions, internal party wrangling, and recurring controversies that continue to undermine public confidence.
If it is not the Main Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) battling persistent internal disputes, it is the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) grappling with questions of legitimacy, succession, and internal power struggles as the country inches toward the November 2028 multi-tier elections.
In an exclusive interview with this medium, James O. Tholley Bangura, a chemist working for a chemical company in the United States, described the current political moment as both promising and perilous—particularly for the opposition APC.
Reflecting on the mammoth APC meeting held at Attouga, James said the gathering resembled a provincial reunion of aspiring flagbearers, marked by chants of victory, jubilation, and an outward display of unity. Supporters danced and sang, projecting an image of a united party determined to reclaim power in the 2028 presidential and legislative elections.
However, James cautioned that the true test lies beyond the spectacle. His central concern, he said, is whether aspirants who lose at the August convention will offer unflinching support to the eventual winner. Drawing from historical experience, he warned that post-convention discontent has often weakened the party’s electoral chances.
He further noted that the absence of former President Ernest Bai Koroma—once the party’s unifying heavyweight—from this year’s convention raises serious questions about whether the remaining leadership can successfully consolidate the party and rally behind a single candidate.
According to James, failure to unite after the convention—especially if defections or the formation of splinter parties occur—could severely undermine the APC’s prospects in 2028. Conversely, he argued that genuine unity behind the eventual winner could send early signals of electoral victory.
Turning to the ruling SLPP, James stressed that all is far from well within the governing party. He pointed to a recent social media publication that sparked intense debate after listing names of individuals allegedly qualified to contest the party’s flagbearer position.
The publication, he said, controversially featured only one aspirant from the Eastern Region—John Oponjo Benjamin—a development that immediately raised suspicions among party supporters. While many members await official confirmation or disownment of the list by the party secretariat, others believe it was deliberately manipulated.
The controversy deepened with the inclusion of Benja Tejan-Sie, who had previously disqualified other aspirants. Additionally, former SLPP Secretary General Jacob Jusu Saffa, who has maintained a low profile since his removal as Chief Minister, is reportedly still politically active behind the scenes and closely aligned with John Oponjo Benjamin.
James observed that within the “Green Camp,” suspicion continues to grow. He said the SLPP is increasingly divided between so-called “old folks” and “new folks” serving in the Julius Maada Bio administration—many of whom are believed to harbour presidential ambitions.
He noted that the declaration by Francis Ben Kaifala, the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, to contest has ignited debate, with some party elders insisting he must resign before pursuing such ambitions. Similar uncertainty surrounds whether Benja Tejan-Sie’s position could eventually affect the standing of Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh.
James also referenced growing speculation around Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, whom John Oponjo Benjamin has reportedly disqualified but who is widely believed to enjoy the support of First Lady Fatima Bio. Additional rumours within SLPP circles even suggest that the First Lady herself may harbour presidential ambitions.
Further controversy surrounds the Eastern Caucus, with names such as Alie Kabba, Lema, and Kanneh frequently mentioned, while other whispers point to Tunis as a possible external influence in shaping the party’s future direction.
In James’s view, the rumour-driven political climate within the SLPP now mirrors that of its traditional rival, the APC—where nothing is believed until the final whistle blows.
As Sierra Leone moves steadily toward 2028, one reality appears unavoidable: day in and day out, the nation’s politics remain ensnared in heartbreak, suspicion, and unresolved controversy—leaving the electorate to wonder whether genuine unity and credible leadership will ever prevail.
