A major internal conflict has erupted within the National Grand Coalition (NGC) following the suspension of Jesmed Foday Mami Suma, the party’s Acting National Chairman and Leader. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NGC took this action on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in what many perceive as a turning point in the party’s leadership.

A formal letter signed on October 7, 2024 by Alhaji Amadu M. Sheriff, the NGC’s National Secretary-General and copied to the Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC), all registered political parties and major media houses, informed Jesmed Foday Mami Suma of his immediate suspension. The letter requested that he returns all party properties and documents in his possession within two days and emphasized that he no longer has the authority to speak on behalf of the NGC.

In response, Jesmed Suma, known for his no-nonsense leadership style, has vehemently refuted these claims. During a television interview shortly after the suspension, he maintained that his suspension was unconstitutional and illegitimate. “I was never suspended from the party, as falsely alleged by the Secretary-General,” Jesmed Foday Mami Suma declared.

Jesmed Foday Mami Suma further clarified that, according to the NGC constitution, any disciplinary action must be initiated by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, which would then refer its findings to the NEC for ratification. He emphasized that the NEC does not have the authority to take disciplinary action without such an investigation. “NEC cannot investigate and resolve disciplinary matters within five minutes of an accusation being made,” he noted, challenging the process that led to his suspension.

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The conflict within the NGC was further fueled by Jesmed Foday Mami Suma’s statement, made during a TV interview prior to the NEC meeting, where he asserted that while the NGC is theoretically in alliance with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the alliance was not practically active. That statement was a focal point of contention during the NEC meeting. According to Jesmed Foday Mami Suma, the Secretary-General urged a NEC member to propose that he apologize for his statement or face suspension. The Chairman refused to apologize, standing by his words.

Jesmed Foday Mami pointed to Article 16, Subsection 7 of the NGC constitution, which mandates that NEC decisions must be made through secret ballots. He argued that the chaotic atmosphere during the meeting, where members demanded an apology or suspension, could not be considered a legitimate vote.

“This is a failed hostile takeover attempt by outside forces, and we, the true members of the NGC, are determined to fight against it,” Jesmed Foday Mami Suma concluded, rallying support from party loyalists.

On the other hand, the NGC’s National Public Relations Officer (PRO) issued a public statement affirming Jesmed Foday Mami Suma’s position as the legitimate Chairman and Leader of the party. “Jesmed Foday Mami Suma is the bona fide Chairman of the NGC. No one or nobody has suspended him,” the PRO stated. He reiterated that Jesmed Foday Mami Suma was duly elected as Deputy Chairman and assumed the position of Chairman after the former Chair’s departure.

The PRO also dismissed claims that Jesmed Foday Mami Suma’s statements regarding the NGC-SLPP alliance constituted “anti-party” behavior, pointing out that he merely stated facts and that any disciplinary measures must follow due process through the Disciplinary Committee.

“This is a clear attempt to undermine our Chairman and disrupt the party from within. But let them wait for our next National Delegates Conference—Suma is still in charge,” the PRO added.

However, Alhaji K. Tarawally (Laj-K), the Deputy Secretary-General of the NGC, defended the NEC’s decision. In a statement, Alhaji K. Tarawally expressed disappointment over the timing of the action but urged party members to respect the NEC’s authority. “The suspension of Jesmed Suma was passed following a democratic vote by the NEC, reflecting the majority will of its members. This decision, while difficult, is binding and necessary to maintain the integrity of the party,” he stated.

Alhaji K. Tarawally also called for unity and reconciliation within the NGC, warning that the current divisions could jeopardize the party’s prospects ahead of the 2028 elections. “We must focus on fostering collaboration and solidarity to position the NGC as a formidable force,” he added.

As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen whether the NGC will overcome this internal crisis or continue to grapple with deepening divisions. The party’s next National Delegates Conference will likely be the battleground for determining its future leadership and direction.