-Moses Mambu
By Alusine Daybreak
A strong political statement has emerged from within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), following comments by party public relations figure Moses Mambu, who reportedly declared that, as things stand, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh is the only person qualified to contest for the party’s flagbearer position.
Mambu made the statement during his appearance on the Good Morning Programme on 98.1 Radio yesterday, where he discussed the SLPP’s internal political landscape and the growing conversations surrounding the party’s search for a flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections.
His remarks have added another dimension to the unfolding political debate within the ruling party, at a time when attention is increasingly turning towards potential successors to President Julius Maada Bio. With the 2028 elections approaching, questions surrounding leadership, experience, party loyalty, political organisation and electability are becoming central to discussions among party members, supporters and political observers.
Mambu Makes His Position
During the radio programme, Mambu reportedly expressed the view that Vice President Juldeh Jalloh is currently the only qualified aspirant for the SLPP flagbearer position.
The statement is significant because the question of who should lead the SLPP into the next electoral contest is expected to become one of the most closely watched political developments within the party. Mambu’s declaration is likely to generate further discussion among supporters of the Vice President and those who may be backing other potential contenders.
His position places Juldeh Jalloh at the centre of an increasingly important political conversation about the future direction of the SLPP after President Bio’s current tenure.
However, Mambu’s statement should be understood as his political assessment of the situation rather than an official determination of eligibility by the SLPP’s authorised party structures. The party’s constitution, applicable internal rules and formal nomination procedures will ultimately determine who qualifies to contest for the flagbearer position.
Why Juldeh Jalloh Is In The Spotlight
As Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh occupies one of the country’s highest political offices. His position within the government and his association with the current administration naturally place him among the personalities likely to attract attention as the SLPP begins looking towards its post-Bio political future.
For supporters who favour his candidacy, his experience in government, familiarity with national policy issues and involvement in the administration could be presented as important considerations in determining who should lead the party into the next election.
The Vice President’s potential candidacy also raises broader questions about continuity, leadership transition and the SLPP’s strategy for maintaining its political support in 2028.
Nevertheless, occupying the office of Vice President does not automatically guarantee a candidate the SLPP flagbearer position. Any prospective aspirant would still need to satisfy the party’s applicable requirements and secure the necessary support through the established internal selection process.
The 2028 Succession Question
The political atmosphere within the SLPP is expected to become more active as party members and supporters debate the qualities required of the next flagbearer.
The central questions will include who possesses the strongest political experience, who can unite different factions within the party, who has the organisational capacity to mobilise supporters nationwide, and who can present a convincing message to Sierra Leoneans ahead of the next general elections.
Mambu’s declaration that Juldeh Jalloh is the only qualified aspirant, as he reportedly stated on 98.1 Radio, adds to this debate and may encourage other party figures to publicly explain their positions on the emerging succession question.
The statement could also prompt discussions about the distinction between being politically qualified in the eyes of a supporter and meeting the formal eligibility requirements established by the party.
Within a democratic political organisation, such questions are normally resolved through the party’s constitution, nomination procedures and authorised decision-making bodies.
A Test of Party Unity and Internal Democracy
As the SLPP looks towards 2028, maintaining unity will be an important challenge for its leadership and membership. Competition for a flagbearer position can generate enthusiasm and encourage debate, but it can also create divisions if supporters allow personal interests to take precedence over the party’s collective objectives.
The party will therefore need to ensure that any succession process is transparent, credible and consistent with its established rules. Potential aspirants and their supporters will also have a responsibility to engage in constructive political debate while respecting the rights of other qualified party members.
For Juldeh Jalloh, any future decision to seek the flagbearer position would place his political standing, leadership credentials and ability to build broad support under increased scrutiny.
For other potential contenders, the unfolding debate presents an opportunity to clarify their ambitions, demonstrate their qualifications and explain how they intend to contribute to the SLPP’s future.
What This Means For The SLPP
Moses Mambu’s appearance on the Good Morning Programme on 98.1 Radio has brought renewed attention to the question of who should lead the SLPP into the 2028 electoral contest.
His reported assertion that Juldeh Jalloh is the only qualified aspirant is a clear expression of his position on the matter. Whether that assessment will be shared by the wider party membership remains a question for future political discussions and the SLPP’s formal internal processes.
As the debate continues, party members and the public will be watching closely for further statements from senior party officials, potential aspirants and the party’s authorised leadership.
Ultimately, the SLPP’s next flagbearer will need more than public endorsements. The individual will have to meet the party’s formal requirements, build support among delegates and members in accordance with the applicable rules, and demonstrate the capacity to lead a party preparing for a consequential national election.
For now, Mambu’s remarks have placed Vice President Juldeh Jalloh firmly at the centre of the conversation over the SLPP’s political future.
