By Mohamed Kamara
As the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) gears up for next year’s convention to select President Bio’s successor, internal conflicts have surfaced, casting a shadow over the party’s unity and future prospects.
The controversy erupted when the Unity Party’s First Lady publicly accused former SLPP Secretary General Napoleon Koroma of misappropriating one billion Leones (old notes) in party funds. Mr. Koroma has vehemently denied these allegations, emphasizing transparency and accountability during his tenure.
In response to the accusations, Koroma expressed concern that the ongoing scandal surrounding the party’s financial management could jeopardize SLPP’s chances in the 2028 multi-tier elections. He urged for an independent audit to clarify the party’s financial status and restore public confidence.
Voicing his opinion from Pujehun, senior party member Musa Kpaka criticized the First Lady’s public approach, stating that such disputes should be handled internally following party procedures rather than airing grievances on social media. Kpaka underscored the SLPP Constitution’s hierarchy, highlighting that the Secretary General reports to the Chairman, and should not override party leadership.
Kpaka also pointed out ongoing tensions between the First Lady and former Chairmen Dr. Prince Harding and current Chairman Batilo Songa, which he believes have contributed to the party’s fractured state.
“If we are to talk of the SLPP as a united party, we cannot ignore that recent events threaten to dismantle our hopes for 2028,” Kpaka said. He noted that in Sierra Leone’s 64 years of independence, no previous First Lady has intervened in party matters in a way that undermines its image.
He called on party members to respect democratic outcomes, urging that once delegates elect leaders, all members must support them until the next convention. Kpaka also condemned the involvement of spouses in escalating internal disputes, warning against attempts to impose candidates or sow discord.
“In Bo and other areas, women of the party have voiced opposition to the First Lady’s interference,” he said. “You cannot push your candidate without winning the election, nor can you undermine the winner.”
Kpaka concluded by appealing to the SLPP’s elderly council to intervene and restore order and sanity within the party ranks.
As the SLPP navigates these internal challenges, party watchers are keenly observing how these tensions will shape the party’s unity and strategy ahead of the 2028 elections.
