First Lady Pays Courtesy Call on SLPP Chairman Songa, Urges Party Unity Ahead of 2028 Elections

The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Jimmy Batilo Songa, where she congratulated him on his recent victory at the party’s last convention and called for unity within the party ahead of the 2028 elections.

In a statement issued on April 21, Dr. Bio described the moment as significant for the future of the Sierra Leone People’s Party, noting that it marked what she believes is “a new dawn” for the ruling party.

“Today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, I witnessed what I truly believe is a new dawn for the SLPP,” she said.

According to the First Lady, the visit was made “with a deep sense of purpose and commitment” as she extended congratulations to Mr. Songa following his election victory, which she said reflects “the trust and confidence our party members have placed in his leadership.”

Dr. Bio emphasized that the engagement went beyond a congratulatory visit, highlighting the need for cohesion within the party’s leadership. “But beyond the congratulations, this moment was about something greater. It was about unity. It was about healing,” she stated.

She added that the meeting symbolized efforts to bring together the party’s frontline leadership as it prepares for the next electoral cycle. “It was about bringing together the frontline leadership of our great party to begin the journey toward 2028-stronger, more focused, and more united than ever before,” she said.

The First Lady described the SLPP as “a party of resilience, a party of the people, and a party with a vision for national transformation,” and urged members to set aside differences in the interest of both the party and the country.

“Now is the time to rise above differences, to close ranks, and to work collectively in the interest of our party and our beloved Sierra Leone,” she said.

She further called for a renewed sense of direction within the party, stating, “Let this be the beginning of renewed strength, renewed purpose, and renewed unity.”

Dr. Bio concluded her statement with a message of collective responsibility and forward movement, saying, “Together, we will move forward. Together, we will win. Together, we will serve.”