By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in Parliament, has issued a strong warning over what he described as a “dangerous pattern” emerging in Sierra Leone’s political discourse, following recent controversial remarks allegedly made by senior figures within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
In a strongly worded statement, Hon. Abdul Kargbo condemned comments attributed to the SLPP Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, which reportedly suggested that the APC should be “killed” or made to cease existing. He described such rhetoric as deeply troubling and fundamentally incompatible with democratic principles.
“Political parties are not enemies to be destroyed; they are representatives of the people, protected by the very principles of democracy,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo stated, stressing that threats, intimidation and hostile political language must never be allowed to shape the country’s future.
Drawing historical parallels, the opposition leader recalled the political tensions of the 1960s, when Sir Albert Margai allegedly used state power to suppress the APC through intimidation, restrictions on opposition activity and attempts to move Sierra Leone toward a one-party state. According to Hon. Abdul Kargbo, those efforts ultimately failed.
“Despite those efforts, the APC did not die. Instead, it grew stronger, more resilient and ultimately gained the confidence of the people,” he noted. “The lesson is simple: you cannot eliminate an idea whose time has come. You cannot silence a people determined to be heard.”
Hon. Abdul Kargbo urged political actors across the divide to learn from history by strengthening democratic tolerance, respecting political diversity and allowing the will of the people, not threats or coercion, to determine the nation’s direction.
His comments come at a time of heightened political tension, with APC Members of Parliament continuing their boycott of parliamentary proceedings and other governance processes over concerns surrounding the appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner ahead of the 2028 elections.
Efforts to resolve the impasse have so far yielded little progress. On March 25, 2026, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas held high-level talks with opposition leaders, urging them to return to Parliament and emphasizing the institution’s constitutional independence. However, the APC has maintained its position.
The party has also recently rejected a Government directive introducing what it described as an “interim political head” to oversee APC-led local councils, arguing that the move lacks legal and statutory backing.
Adding to the chorus of concern, prominent APC figure, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), also condemned reported threats directed at APC members and supporters in Bonthe District.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara described as “profoundly disturbing” remarks allegedly made during the commissioning of the SLPP party office in Mattru, Bonthe District and attributed to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, suggesting death to citizens based on their support for the APC.
“Such a statement, especially from a party leader, risks being interpreted not as mere rhetoric but as a signal; one that could embolden overzealous supporters to act outside the bounds of the law,” Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara warned.
He noted that such remarks threaten to normalize fear, deepen political divisions and place innocent citizens at risk simply for exercising their democratic rights. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara called on APC supporters in Bonthe and across the country to respond not with retaliation, but with resilience, unity and renewed commitment to democratic values.
“Leadership must inspire confidence, not fear; unity not division,” Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara stated, emphasizing that no citizen should ever feel unsafe because of political affiliation.
Similarly, prominent politician and commentator Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has sharply criticized President Julius Maada Bio over a series of recent controversial public remarks, accusing him of undermining his constitutional responsibility as Sierra Leone’s Symbol of National Unity.
In a statement issued on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden pointed to remarks allegedly made by the President during the launch of an SLPP office in Bonthe District, where he reportedly stated in Mende that anyone in the district who supports the APC “shall die early in the morning.”
She argued that such comments, alongside other recent controversial jokes and statements, are deeply divisive and inconsistent with the obligations of the presidency under Section 40(2) of the Constitution.
“Our President is no longer an ordinary citizen who can say anything in public,” Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden said. “Everything the President does in the public space should symbolize national unity.”
The State House Communications Directorate has, however, pushed back against the literal interpretation of the President’s Bonthe remarks. Communications Director, Myk Berewa, stated that the comment was metaphorical in Mende and was lost in translation, suggesting it implied that long-standing APC loyalty in Bonthe was akin to a political curse rather than a literal threat.
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden dismissed the explanation, insisting that even metaphorical language suggesting citizens are “cursed” over their political beliefs remains dangerous and divisive.
She further argued that the remarks fit into what she described as a troubling pattern of hostility toward the opposition, citing alleged statements from other ruling party officials that similarly called for the eradication of the APC and its supporters.
As public debate intensifies, political observers say the growing exchange of inflammatory rhetoric underscores the urgent need for restraint, responsible leadership and renewed commitment to peaceful democratic engagement in Sierra Leone.
“Sierra Leone belongs to all of us,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo concluded, calling for unity, tolerance and respect for political plurality as the nation moves toward the 2028 elections.
