The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has entered a stage of self-destruction, where internal battles have become more intense than the fight against their political opponents. Instead of focusing on governance and delivering on their promises, the party has turned against itself, with factional infighting, personal ambitions, and deep-seated mistrust overshadowing its ability to lead. The ongoing internal wrangling within the SLPP is not just a sign of weakness but a strong indication that the party is on a path to losing the 2028 elections.
The Internal Wrangling That is Tearing SLPP Apart
The SLPP is experiencing one of the worst internal divisions in its history. The struggle for supremacy among key figures in the party is creating an irreparable rift, making it impossible for them to unite ahead of the next elections. The power tussle between President Julius Maada Bio’s inner circle and other SLPP heavyweights is growing stronger by the day.
One of the most prominent feuds is between Chief Minister David Sengeh and some senior SLPP members who see him as an outsider with little political experience but enjoying too much influence. The ambitions of other key party members, such as First Lady Fatima Bio and Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, have only worsened the tensions.
Another point of friction is the younger generation of SLPP members who feel sidelined by the old guards who have controlled the party for decades. The old politicians in the SLPP see the younger ones as inexperienced and incapable, while the younger politicians believe the old ones are corrupt and out of touch with the realities of modern politics. This generational war is further splitting the party, making it impossible for a united front in 2028.
The Betrayal and Backstabbing Among SLPP Members
One of the biggest reasons the SLPP is set to lose the 2028 elections is the level of betrayal among its own members. Instead of working together to strengthen the party, SLPP members are engaging in backstabbing, smear campaigns, and secret political maneuvering to eliminate one another.
For instance, reports suggest that some SLPP officials are deliberately leaking damaging information about their colleagues to opposition parties and the media. The recent public fallout between some government officials and the party hierarchy is proof that trust has completely collapsed within the SLPP. When a ruling party spends more time fighting itself than governing, it is clear that the end is near.
Failure to Deliver on Promises: The Biggest Weakness
Apart from internal conflicts, the SLPP’s failure to fulfill its campaign promises is another major factor that will cost them the 2028 elections. President Bio’s administration came to power on the platform of “New Direction,” promising economic growth, improved education, job creation, and better healthcare. However, after years in power, Sierra Leoneans are still struggling with economic hardship, inflation, poor infrastructure, and high unemployment rates.
The so-called Free Quality Education program, which was supposed to be Bio’s flagship achievement, is now crumbling due to poor funding, lack of resources, and the growing discontent among teachers and parents. Meanwhile, the Feed Salone initiative, which was meant to improve food security, has turned into another failed government project, with no clear strategy or results.
The people of Sierra Leone are frustrated, and even SLPP supporters are beginning to lose faith in the party. If the ruling party cannot convince its own members, how can it win the support of the general electorate in 2028?
The 2023 Elections and the Warning Signs for SLPP
The outcome of the 2023 elections was already a warning sign for the SLPP. The controversial manner in which the election was conducted and the allegations of electoral fraud created significant discontent among the people. The SLPP’s credibility suffered a serious blow when international observers and civil society organizations raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process.
Instead of using the election results as an opportunity to reflect and make amends, the SLPP has doubled down on its mistakes. The party has refused to acknowledge the growing dissatisfaction among Sierra Leoneans and is instead focused on protecting individual interests. If the SLPP cannot even accept internal criticism, how can it effectively prepare for the next elections?
APC’s Political Resurgence: A Major Threat to SLPP
While the SLPP is busy fighting itself, the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) is reorganizing and positioning itself for victory in 2028. The APC is capitalizing on the failures of the SLPP, using the economic hardship and political instability under Bio’s rule as their strongest campaign points.
The APC has also managed to unify its ranks and rebuild public trust, something the SLPP is failing to do. Samura Kamara, despite facing challenges, continues to enjoy strong support among APC members and the general population. The APC’s ability to present itself as the alternative government will make it easier for Sierra Leoneans to turn their backs on the SLPP in the next elections.
President Bio’s Leadership is Weakening the SLPP
One of the biggest problems for the SLPP is the leadership style of President Bio. His failure to manage internal conflicts, his unwillingness to listen to dissenting voices within the party, and his overreliance on certain individuals have further divided the SLPP.
Many SLPP supporters who once believed in Bio’s leadership are now questioning whether he truly has the vision to lead the country forward. His inability to control party disputes and focus on national development is making even SLPP members lose faith in their own government.
Bio’s reliance on his wife, First Lady Fatima Bio, in governance is also a major concern. Many SLPP officials feel sidelined, as the First Lady wields too much influence over state affairs. This has created resentment within the party, with some members accusing Bio of running a “family government” rather than a democratic administration.
SLPP’s Tribal Politics is Backfiring
Another major reason the SLPP is on the path to defeat is its continued reliance on tribal politics. Instead of focusing on national unity, the party has been accused of favoring certain ethnic groups over others. This has alienated a large portion of the population, who feel neglected and marginalized under SLPP rule.
Many Sierra Leoneans are tired of political divisions based on tribe and region. The APC, on the other hand, is presenting itself as a more inclusive party that represents all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of ethnicity. If the SLPP continues to promote tribal politics, it will only push more voters toward the opposition in 2028.
The SLPP’s Fate in 2028: A Defeat That is Becoming Inevitable
With all these internal problems, the SLPP is heading for a massive defeat in 2028. The party’s inability to resolve its internal conflicts, its failure to deliver on promises, and its growing disconnect from the people make it clear that it is losing ground.
Sierra Leoneans are looking for change, and if the SLPP continues on this path of self-destruction, the people will have no choice but to reject them at the polls. The biggest threat to the SLPP is not the APC or any other political opponent—it is the SLPP itself.
The 2028 elections will be a defining moment for Sierra Leone. If the SLPP fails to address its internal problems and reconnect with the people, history will repeat itself, and the party will be voted out of power.