By VOS Writer
The political atmosphere within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has grown increasingly tense and chaotic, particularly surrounding the race for the party’s Chairmanship. A sharp division has emerged between two rival factions—Team Ebema and Team Juldeh—with each backing a prominent candidate for the coveted position.
Batilo Songa, the leading figure for Team Juldeh, is seen as a frontrunner in the Chairmanship race. He has a well-established support base, stemming from his previous roles as SLPP UK/I Chairman and as the party’s former National Organising Secretary. His years of service and strong grassroots network have positioned him as a popular choice among many SLPP delegates.
Opposing him is Engineer Kanneh, the preferred candidate of Team Ebema, which is strongly aligned with First Lady Fatima Bio. A veteran of the party, Engineer Kanneh has served the SLPP for over 20 years and previously held the post of Director General at the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA). His contributions to both the party and national development have earned him respect among a segment of the party faithful.
The battle lines are now firmly drawn, with campaign events and endorsements increasing in intensity. Recent video footage from various campaign events suggests that Batilo Songa enjoys widespread popularity and is currently ahead in the race. Reports indicate that nearly all districts have formally endorsed his candidacy, giving him significant momentum.
In his campaign speech, Batilo Songa reaffirmed his deep-rooted ambition to serve as the SLPP’s national chairman.
“This dream has been nurtured for years,” he said. “My candidacy revolves around one core agenda—supporting President Julius Maada Bio, the leader of our great party.”
Meanwhile, Engineer Kanneh’s candidacy is being strongly supported by First Lady Fatima Bio, leader of Team Ebema Gbi. In a recent public gathering, Fatima Bio openly endorsed Kanneh, describing him as “my brother, in whom I am well pleased,” and highlighting their long-standing personal and professional relationship.
However, Fatima Bio’s active involvement in the SLPP Chairmanship race has sparked controversy. Critics within the party argue that her participation is an overreach and fear it signals an attempt to capture or dominate the internal workings of the SLPP. Calls for her to “hands off” the party’s internal elections have grown louder, with many party members insisting that the Chairmanship contest be free from undue influence.
As the race heats up, the SLPP faces a critical internal test. Whether unity or deeper division follows will depend on how both camps navigate the remaining campaign period and how the party leadership manages the tension between grassroots democracy and internal power struggles.
