SLPP Trustee Challenges Batilo Songa Over “Un-Chairman-Like” Conduct

Dr. James Vibbi, SLPP National Trustee for the Eastern Region, has challenged National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa over his recent actions regarding a meeting with constituency chairpersons.

Speaking on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, Vibbi described Songa’s conduct as “un-Chairman-like” and indicated he may formally raise the matter with the Secretary General for President Julius Maada Bio’s attention.

“Batilo Songa’s statements and actions are un-Chairman-like,” Vibbi stated. “I might write to the Secretary General, for the attention of the party leader, regarding the Chairman’s actions and statements.”

Vibbi also questioned the meeting's legitimacy, saying: “It’s illegal and unconstitutional for them to meet under that name as councils of constituencies chairpersons.”

He strongly criticized the messaging shared during the gathering, accusing Songa of misrepresenting President Bio’s position on the party’s next flagbearer. “In that meeting the Chairman wrongfully misinformed the country about the intention of the President, which is very wrong,” Vibbi said.

Reminding the party that the Chairman was elected to serve as a “cohesive instrument” to promote unity, Vibbi argued that sowing direction confusion directly conflicts with that role.

Vibbi noted he would wait briefly for the constituency chairpersons to clarify the status of their meeting publicly. If no clarification is provided, he will formally request that President Bio address the issue.

This friction unfolds amidst debate over selecting the 2028 presidential flagbearer. Controversy escalated after Songa reportedly told chairpersons to await President Bio’s direction before taking a stance on succession—sparking immediate pushback.

On AYV’s State of the Nation, SLPP Secretary General Paran Tarawally rejected assertions that President Bio would choose his successor, clarifying that delegates must decide who carries the flag in the next election.

These conflicting viewpoints highlight an intensifying internal debate over party governance, succession, and democratic procedures governing executive leadership.