Freetown, 6th February 2026 – The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has strongly condemned what it describes as “hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric” directed at President Julius Maada Bio during an All People’s Congress (APC) meeting held on 31st January at the Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown.
In a statement issued on 6th February 2026 SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa said remarks made by APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, Zainab Sheriff, and other party members were intended to “vilify, humiliate and incite hatred” against the President.
The ruling party argued that such rhetoric undermines democracy, fuels political polarization, and incites violence. While acknowledging freedom of expression as a cornerstone of democracy, the SLPP insisted that the APC’s conduct “transcended acceptable bounds” by resorting to insults and threats rather than constructive criticism.
The party also dismissed the APC’s February 4 press release defending its actions, calling it “spurious and without merit.” According to the SLPP, APC members failed to challenge the results of the June 24, 2023 presidential election within the legally mandated seven-day period, making their claims of illegitimacy baseless.
The SLPP accused certain APC members of attempting to sow political instability by setting dates for what it described as a “fictitious handing-over ceremony” and repeating unsubstantiated claims not sanctioned by the Supreme Court.
“These actions are delusional and deliberate attempts to create a dangerous environment,” the statement read.
Despite the tensions, the SLPP highlighted President Bio’s efforts to engage the opposition through dialogue, noting that recommendations from the Tripartite Committee, comprising the Government, APC, and international partners, are already being implemented.
The party emphasized that while opposition is vital in a democracy, it must operate within the law, foster unity, and focus on policy rather than misinformation.
The SLPP expressed full support for the Sierra Leone Police in their ongoing criminal investigation into the conduct at the APC meeting, describing it as essential for political accountability and preventing violence.
The party also commended the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) for its swift response in addressing alleged contraventions of the Political Parties Act 2022 by the APC.
Concluding its statement, the SLPP reaffirmed its commitment to “peaceful, lawful and democratic governance for the prosperity and unity of Sierra Leone.”
