The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has condemned what it described as hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric directed at President Julius Maada Bio during the All People’s Congress (APC) mammoth meeting held on January 31, 2026, at the Attouga Mini Stadium.
In a press statement issued on February 6, 2026, the ruling party said remarks made by the APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, Zainab Sheriff, and other party members and supporters were intended to vilify and incite hostility against the President.
The SLPP described the rhetoric as irresponsible and dangerous, warning that it undermines democratic values, deepens political polarization, delegitimizes the Presidency, and risks inciting violence. While reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression, the party stressed that such rights are not absolute and do not extend to insults, degradation, or calls for violence.
According to the statement, the conduct of APC representatives at the January 31 meeting went beyond acceptable political criticism and crossed into hate speech and incitement.
The SLPP also rejected a press release issued by the APC National Secretary General on February 4, describing it as inadequate and without merit. The party argued that claims challenging the outcome of the June 24, 2023 presidential election lack legal standing, noting that no petition was filed within the constitutionally mandated timeframe and that no evidence exists to sustain such claims before the Supreme Court.
The statement further condemned what it described as attempts by some APC members to announce a “fictitious” handing-over ceremony or to repeat allegations not sanctioned by the courts, warning that such actions were deliberate efforts to create political instability.
Despite securing what it termed an overwhelming electoral mandate, the SLPP said President Bio has continued to demonstrate progressive leadership by initiating dialogue with the APC, leading to the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Tripartite Committee comprising the Government, the APC, and international partners.
The party acknowledged the role of the opposition in a democratic society but stressed that political engagement must remain within the bounds of the law and should promote unity, constructive debate, and policy-based discourse rather than misinformation and incitement.
In this context, the SLPP expressed full support for the Sierra Leone Police in continuing criminal investigations into conduct and statements made at the APC rally, saying such actions are necessary to promote political accountability and prevent an environment conducive to hate speech and political violence.
The party also called on all stakeholders, including moral guarantors, to collectively condemn hate speech, incitement to violence, and obscenity in public and political discourse.
It further commended the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) for what it described as swift action, referencing the Commission’s press release of February 2, 2026, which outlined alleged violations of the Political Parties Act 2022 by the APC.
The SLPP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, lawful, and democratic governance, which it said remains central to national unity and development.
