His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Wednesdy, 17th December 2025, laid to rest debate on who wields political power in the governing Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).
Addressing party stalwarts, supporters, invitees, and well-wishes at the jam-packed Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown, President Bio emphasised that there is only one SLPP agenda.

The National Leader assured: "As your leader, I set the political direction with passion. In 2028, we will proudly present the SLPP as the party of continuity, the party of stability, and the party of national progress - clear, confident, and unstoppable."

The theme: "The SLPP: Preparing for the Sierra Leone we are becoming" powerfully reaffirms that the SLPP remains the unwavering moral compass of Sierra Leone.

President Bio did not mince words when he stressed that it is the National Chairman who manages the affairs of the party, adding that when that order is respected, the SLPP is steady and "when the party is steady, it is unstoppable."

He acknowledged the National Chairman, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa's leadership qualities and loyalty to the SLPP at home and abroad, and expected much from him in his new role.

"To night, leadership reflects on your shoulders not as a privilege, but as a trust to unite, a trust to organise, a trust to persevere with the challenges and opportunities beyond," President Bio averred.

He described the event as not just an inauguration of the new National Executive Council (NEC) but a renewal of spirit, a moment of continuity and confidence, and reaffirmation of advancement and recommitment of principles that have sustained the party across generations.

President Bio hailed the past executives for their diligent service to the party, their challenges and achievements before they passed on responsibility to the new NEC with great care, noting that the SLPP is not sustained by power, position, or partnership, but it is sustained on principles.

The National Leader also hailed the principles of the SLPP, such as their belief in the dignity of all Sierra Leoneans, the sharing of responsibility, discipline, and justice for all.

Speaking with regard to a standard-bearer for the 2028 presidential election, President Bio assured that the "SLPP will elect their flagbearer transparently, fairly and democratically."

He proudly described the history of the grand old party and that of Sierra Leone as inseparable; founded on solidarity, strengthened by sacrifice, and shared by a tradition of service and nation-building.