By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s political climate has been stirred by a heated exchange between the main opposition APC, SLPP in Fierce Exchange Over “Threat to Democracy” Allegations, following controversial remarks allegedly made by SLPP’s newly elected National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, during his acceptance ceremony on October 18, 2025.
The APC, in a strongly worded Press Release dated October 20, 2025, and signed by its Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh, expressed grave concern over what it described as an alarming statement by Jimmy Batilo Songa, allegedly urging “the President, the Army, Soldiers and Marshals to stop the APC in 2028.” The opposition party said such remarks represent a direct attack on the constitutional order and a dangerous attempt to politicize state security institutions.
The Press Release, titled: “Threats to Democratic Governance and the Neutrality of State Institutions,” was copied to key national and international partners, including the Ministry of Development Planning, UNDP, UNFPA, the African Union, ECOWAS and several Western Embassies.
According to the APC, the SLPP Chairman’s alleged comments “go beyond ordinary political rhetoric” and amount to “a call for unlawful interference in the democratic process.” The party warned that any attempt to involve the security sector in political affairs violates the Constitution of Sierra Leone, which mandates that the armed forces and police remain neutral and loyal only to the State.
“This declaration undermines the neutrality of our national security forces and threatens public confidence in the integrity of elections and democratic governance,” the APC statement said. “Sierra Leone’s peace and stability were earned through great national sacrifice and any suggestion that our security forces be used for partisan purposes is unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
The APC called on President Julius Maada Bio, as the constitutional guardian of the nation, to issue “an unambiguous public reassurance” that all state institutions, especially the security services, will remain professional and neutral. It also urged regional and international partners to monitor what it described as “worrying political developments” in Sierra Leone ahead of the 2028 elections.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to peace and democracy, urging members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. “The destiny of Sierra Leone must be determined only by the free and fair choices of its people through the ballot box and by no other means,” the statement concluded.
However, the ruling SLPP swiftly countered the APC’s claims in a rebuttal signed by its National Secretary General, Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally, describing the opposition’s statement as “deceptive, manipulative and riddled with falsehoods.” The SLPP accused the APC of deliberately misrepresenting Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa’s remarks to sow fear and confusion among the public.
According to the SLPP, Jimmy Batilo Songa’s comments were taken out of context. The party explained that his reference to a “Political Army” was purely metaphorical, directed at the SLPP’s grassroots members, marshals and online activists, encouraging them to “work democratically and peacefully” to prevent the APC from returning to power in 2028.
“The Chairman’s remarks were motivational and democratic, not militaristic,” the SLPP release stated. “They were a rallying call to legitimate party activism not a threat to national institutions or democratic values.”
The ruling party went further to accuse the APC of being “addicted to propaganda, treachery and distortion,” describing its latest statement as part of a “long tradition of political mischief and manipulation.” It reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance and inclusivity, stating, “We believe in the power of ideas, not intimidation; of ballots, not bullets.”
Concluding its statement, the SLPP called on citizens, the media and the international community to reject what it called “the APC’s lies and dangerous political theatre.” It reiterated that the SLPP under President Julius Maada Bio remains committed to peace, truth and responsible political discourse.
Political analysts say the back-and-forth between the two parties reflects rising tensions as both sides begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2028 general elections. Many have called for restraint and maturity from political leaders to preserve the peace and stability Sierra Leone has enjoyed since the end of its civil conflict.
The ongoing war of words has left citizens hoping that both parties will prioritize the nation’s democratic values and uphold a political environment guided by tolerance, respect and constitutional order.
