…as Hon. Musa Tarawally Turns Whistleblower

As the race for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) flagbearership intensifies ahead of the 2028 general elections, Hon. Musa Tarawally has raised serious concerns over what he described as an emerging culture of intimidation, coercion, and alleged forced oath-taking among party supporters and aspirants.

In a strongly worded statement released over the weekend, Hon. Tarawally warned that certain individuals within the ruling party are allegedly compelling members to swear oaths of loyalty to particular aspirants, a development he says poses a grave threat to internal democracy and the unity of the SLPP.

According to Tarawally, the reported practice is not only unethical but also dangerous, as it undermines free choice and open political competition. He stressed that the SLPP has historically prided itself on being a party of freedom, inclusiveness, and democratic values, and that any attempt to force loyalty through spiritual, traditional, or secret means contradicts the very foundation of the party.

“No member of the SLPP should be intimidated, coerced, or spiritually manipulated into supporting any aspirant. Our party must not descend into fear-based politics. The flagbearer should emerge through persuasion, ideas, and credibility—not through threats or oaths,” Tarawally stated.

He further cautioned that such practices, if allowed to continue unchecked, could deepen internal divisions and weaken the party’s chances in the highly competitive 2028 elections. Tarawally called on the party’s leadership, elders, and the National Executive Council (NEC) to urgently investigate the allegations and take firm action against anyone found guilty.

The outspoken lawmaker also appealed to President Julius Maada Bio, as party leader, to intervene and ensure that the flagbearer selection process remains transparent, peaceful, and democratic.

“This is the time for leadership to act. The President and party executives must send a clear message that the SLPP will not tolerate intimidation, cult-like loyalty, or any form of coercion,” he added.

Political observers say Tarawally’s statement reflects growing unease within the ruling party as several high-profile figures position themselves for the coveted flagbearer slot. With names such as the Vice President, senior ministers, and influential party strategists being mentioned in political circles, tensions are reportedly rising at grassroots level.

Some party supporters, however, have dismissed the claims as exaggerated, arguing that intense competition naturally breeds rumors and counter-allegations. Others insist that the concerns should not be ignored, noting that similar issues in past elections have led to serious internal rifts within major political parties in Sierra Leone.

Civil society groups have also begun to weigh in, urging all political actors to respect democratic norms and avoid actions that could incite fear or violence among supporters.

As the 2028 elections draw closer, Hon. Musa Tarawally’s warning serves as a stark reminder that beyond winning power, the credibility of the process matters just as much. Whether the SLPP leadership will act decisively on these allegations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for the party’s soul may be just as intense as the battle for State House.