Lahai Lawrence Leema, the National Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), recently voiced concerns about a widening gap between the party’s leadership and grassroots members.

During a local radio interview, Leema emphasized, “It is unfortunate that we will say it without fear or favour. Most of the ones probably in government ministries as ministers were not actually with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Even if they were with the party, probably they were not in the country, so they don’t know how to manage the working relationship in relation with the party. Over and above all, you have quite a good number of party officials who do not have relationship with the grassroots and so they don’t have access to them.”

Leema highlighted that many appointed ministers lack strong connections with the party base, which has created a sense of alienation among core supporters. He contrasted the current situation with the actions of past leaders, such as Jacob Jusu Saffa and Umaru Napoleon, who regularly visited the party office and engaged with grassroots supporters. He stressed that this level of involvement is now rare, leading to frustration and disconnection within the party’s lower ranks.

Explaining that some appointees lack experience in maintaining relationships with grassroots members, Leema encouraged supporters to remain hopeful, pointing out that there are still SLPP leaders committed to governance and to listening to the voices of the people. He also urged party members to continue supporting President Julius Maada Bio, whom he described as working to leave a lasting legacy for both the SLPP and Sierra Leone.

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Leema’s statements shed light on the challenges SLPP faces in balancing its governance responsibilities with the need to strengthen grassroots connections, especially as it navigates internal party dynamics ahead of future elections.