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A fresh wave of internal debate has emerged within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) following strong public remarks by former Member of Parliament for the West End, Josephine Jackson, who expressed concern over what she describes as growing interference from non-elected figures in the party’s internal affairs.
Josephine Jackson once considered a close ally of First Lady Fatima Bio, stated that the First Lady’s increasing involvement in “core party matters” is creating friction and weakening long-standing structures meant to safeguard unity and discipline within the SLPP.
According to her, the President has consistently provided the First Lady adequate space to fulfil her ceremonial duties, but recent political actions attributed to her have brought what Jackson calls “avoidable disrespect” upon the Presidency both domestically and abroad.
She said her own fallout with the First Lady stemmed from her commitment to honesty and transparency. “The First Lady does not appreciate people who tell her the truth,” she asserted, adding that Mrs. Bio holds no elected position in the SLPP and therefore should not be influencing decision-making processes reserved for the party’s official hierarchy.
She further accused former SLPP Chairman Prince Harding and current National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa of enabling what she claims are divisive tactics. Jackson warned that if such actions continue unchecked, she is prepared to pursue legal remedies, emphasizing that the SLPP operates based on established rules and internal regulations that must be respected by all.
The former MP insisted that the First Lady is allegedly using her influence and access to resources to impose her will within party circles, a trend she argues members will resist. Jackson pointed to the Women’s Leader election and the recent Women’s Council race as instances where she believes boundaries were crossed.
Calling on Chairman Songa, Jackson urged him to set aside “ego and pride” and focus on unifying the party at a moment she says demands leadership and impartiality. “A divided house can fall,” she cautioned.
Addressing the broader SLPP executive, Jackson stressed loyalty to the institution rather than individuals. “Posterity will judge you if you fail to unite the SLPP,” she warned, adding that in the era of social media, political actions and decisions are being recorded more than ever.
Her comments have added new layers to an already vibrant internal conversation within the SLPP regarding governance, influence, and the future direction of the party as it navigates shifting political pressures and expectations from its base.
