Membership Controversy Knocks ACC Boss Out of SLPP Flagbearer Race
By VOS Staff Writer
As the contest to succeed President Julius Maada Bio intensifies within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the party’s Secretary General, Paran Tarawallie, has firmly stated that Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala is not a registered member of the SLPP.
Tarawallie made this clarification amid growing political speculation, as several individuals widely regarded as loyalists and close allies of President Bio — including Timothy Kabba, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Dr. Fatima Bio, Mohamed Orman Bangura Tunis, and others — are believed to be positioning themselves for the race to clinch the SLPP flagbearership ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on the matter, Tarawallie disclosed that a thorough check of the party’s records revealed no evidence of Ben Kaifala’s membership.
“From the SLPP membership database, I have not come across Francis Ben Kaifala as a registered member of the party,” the Secretary General stated.
His comments appear to put to rest mounting rumours suggesting that the ACC boss may be quietly aligning himself with internal party succession politics.
Beyond the membership clarification, Tarawallie also spoke glowingly about the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio, expressing admiration for her leadership style and grassroots engagement across the country. He revealed that he would wholeheartedly support her should she declare her intention to contest for the SLPP flagbearer position.
According to Tarawallie, a potential bid by the First Lady would significantly boost the party’s electoral fortunes, describing her as a unifying figure with widespread national appeal.
He further disclosed that he was invited to participate in the Ebema Programme, an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Fatima Bio and held across various provincial locations. Tarawallie praised the programme as a platform that promotes unity, inclusiveness, and direct engagement with party supporters at the grassroots level.
Expressing strong confidence in her leadership potential, Tarawallie stressed that if given the opportunity to lead the SLPP, Dr. Fatima Bio would position the party for a resounding victory in the 2028 elections.
