Political Scientist Draws APC’s 2018 Experience Into SLPP Internal Dispute

Political Scientist Draws APC’s 2018 Experience Into SLPP Internal Dispute

Political scientist Rev. Leonard Omar Bangura has warned that the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) could face internal divisions similar to those he believes contributed to the All People’s Congress (APC) losing the 2018 elections if the party fails to carefully manage disagreements ahead of the 2028 polls.

Speaking on Liberty Online TV, Bangura said the ongoing issue involving Hon. Musa Tarawally reminded him of previous internal disagreements within the SLPP, including questions that had been raised over the eligibility of Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella.

Bangura urged the SLPP to exercise caution when dealing with influential figures within the party, noting that even when questions arise over an individual’s membership, such persons may still command significant political support and influence.

“SLPP has to be watchful because people of influence, you should know how to handle them,” he said.

He said failure to properly manage disputes involving influential members could affect the party’s internal unity and its prospects of maintaining electoral support.

Bangura also drew comparisons with the APC’s experience ahead of the 2018 elections, when Samura Kamara emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

According to Bangura, Kamara’s emergence occurred at a time when the APC was experiencing what he described as “confusion, vengeance, division and anger” within the party.

He argued that the internal disagreements affected the APC as it entered the 2018 election and contributed to the party’s defeat.

Bangura said the SLPP could face a similar situation ahead of the 2028 elections if its internal disagreements are allowed to deepen.

“The SLPP has youthful leaders and Jimmy Batilo Songa is very influential,” Bangura said, adding that the party’s executive is also relatively young.

He said the composition of the SLPP leadership makes it important for the party to carefully manage issues involving influential members.

Bangura further urged the party to take time to examine its internal matters rather than allowing disagreements to escalate.

“As an analyst, I see things that the party needs to go slowly and look into issues,” he said.