Former Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), John Oponjo Benjamin, has weighed in on growing speculation surrounding Dr. Kandeh Yumkella’s reported interest in the party’s flagbearer position following his return to the SLPP.

Speaking during a recent media engagement, Benjamin said it would take time for Yumkella to be fully reintegrated into the party, noting that his limited engagement with current members could affect his readiness to assume a leadership role.

While acknowledging Yumkella’s educational background and professional competence, Benjamin emphasized that the former United Nations official, now considered a new member of the SLPP, is fully aware of the party’s rules and regulations governing the selection of a flagbearer.

“Yumkella is a well-educated person, and as a new member, he knows the requirements for flagbearership,” Benjamin said. “I am sure he is not ready to break those rules just for his personal interests.”

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Benjamin also pointed to Yumkella’s decision to leave the SLPP years ago to form and lead the National Grand Coalition (NGC) party, describing his return as a process that would require patience on both sides.

“If you’ve left the party and gone away, it will take time for people to accept you back, and it will also take time for him to accept people back,” he explained.

He warned that any attempt to assume the party’s flagbearer position without a clear understanding of the current internal dynamics could create unnecessary tension within the SLPP.

Benjamin stressed that the party remains committed to upholding its internal processes and would not allow personal ambition to override its principles. He added that while Yumkella’s interest in leadership is understandable, it must be pursued with respect for party rules and the collective will of its members.