The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has marked its Diamond Jubilee in Sierra Leone, celebrating 75 years since its founding in 1951 during a commemorative event held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown. The gathering brought together President Julius Maada Bio, senior party officials, supporters, diplomats, traditional leaders, and members of the public, and also drew reactions from the opposition and civil society on the party’s legacy and governance record.
President Bio, speaking as SLPP leader, called for unity, discipline, and early preparation ahead of the 2028 general elections. He said the anniversary should be both a celebration of history and a moment of reflection on the party’s responsibilities in national leadership and service delivery.
Founded in 1951 through the merger of nationalist movements including the Protectorate Educational Progressive Union, the Sierra Leone Organisation Society, and the People’s Party of Freetown, the SLPP emerged in the final years of British colonial rule. President Bio described its formation as the moment when “a national idea took shape,” rooted in unity, shared sacrifice, and the pursuit of self-governance.
He paid tribute to founding members, traditional authorities, and grassroots organisers, with special recognition of the role of women in sustaining early mobilisation efforts. He said the party was built on collective struggle and national purpose rather than political convenience.
Reflecting on its political journey, he highlighted key milestones including independence in 1961 under Sir Milton Margai, the loss of power in 1967 following a disputed election, and survival through decades of military rule, one-party dominance, and civil conflict. He also referenced the period beginning in 1978 when opposition politics was restricted under one-party rule, noting the party’s endurance through its supporters despite political suppression.
President Bio also honoured former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, crediting his leadership for restoring SLPP governance in 1996 during the civil war and helping re-establish constitutional rule after years of conflict.
On internal party matters, he stressed that the SLPP is greater than any individual, including himself, warning against factionalism, entitlement, and internal divisions. He urged members to maintain discipline and respect party structures, noting that longevity in politics depends on cohesion during both power and opposition.
Looking ahead to 2028, he called for structured and transparent preparations for leadership transition, stating that the next flagbearer must be chosen on merit, national appeal, and capacity to govern. “Our next Flagbearer and Leader cannot be chosen by sentiment or faction,” he said.
He reaffirmed that he continues to lead the party alongside National Chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa until a successor is democratically selected, while emphasizing that the party’s immediate priority remains governance and service delivery.
National Chairman Songa echoed the call for unity and discipline, describing the SLPP as a historic movement grounded in national service. He urged members to strengthen grassroots organisation, financial sustainability, and internal cohesion.
Opposition figures, mainly from the All People’s Congress (APC), acknowledged the SLPP’s historical role in independence but questioned its current governance record, citing economic pressures, unemployment, and institutional challenges. They argued that national celebrations should also address present-day accountability and development concerns.
Civil society and governance observers offered a mixed assessment, recognising the SLPP’s contribution to independence in 1961 and post-conflict governance under Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, while noting persistent structural challenges in education, economic diversification, and institutional capacity.
At 75 years since its founding, the SLPP remains one of Sierra Leone’s two dominant political parties alongside the APC. The Diamond Jubilee underscored both its historical legacy and the ongoing debate over governance performance and national development priorities.
President Bio concluded by describing the party as Sierra Leone’s “political diamond,” forged through decades of struggle and resilience, reaffirming its guiding slogan: One Country. One People.
