The National Chairman of the governing Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, has reacted subtly to allegations within the party that he is supporting a particular stalwart in the party for the flagbearer race this year.

According to Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, "As far as the position of the National Chairman is concerned, the flagbearer race has not yet begun. I see every one of them as members of the SLPP, and as National Chairman, it is my responsibility to work with all of them in an atmosphere of mutual respect."

The National Chairman said he couldn’t run the party effectively if he was unable to interact with members or take photographs with them during party functions, noting that at the last Agricultural Show in Kambia, he ate with Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, a move he described as "normal political engagement."

"Let me be clear, no one will stop me from interacting with any SLPP member regardless of their interests or ambitions within the party," Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa assured, adding, "Know this, I am a fearless politician and I will not allow any one to dictate to me how to carry out my responsibilities."

The National Chairman emphasised that their political party must function effectively, and one of the key ways to achieve this is to bring senior party members closer to the party's administrative leadership.