The Sierra Leone Peopleβs Party (SLPP) has strongly condemned what it described as hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric directed at President Julius Maada Bio during the All Peopleβs Congress (APC) meeting held on 31st January 2026 at the Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown.
In a press statement issued on Friday, 6th February 2026, and signed by National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, the ruling party accused APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, Zainab Sheriff and other party supporters of expressing views intended to βvilify, humiliate and incite hatredβ against the President.
The SLPP noted that such rhetoric undermines democratic values, deepens political polarization and risks inciting violence.
According to the statement, while freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democracy, it is not absolute. The party argued that the comments made at the APC gathering exceeded acceptable limits by attacking and degrading the person of the President and allegedly encouraging violence.
The party further dismissed a press release issued by the APC National Secretary General on 4th February 2026 as βinadequateβ and lacking merit, adding that any challenge to the outcome of the 24th June 2023 Presidential Election should have been pursued through the legally mandated Supreme Court process within the stipulated timeframe.
The SLPP also rejected what it described as attempts by some opposition members to promote βfictitious handing-over ceremoniesβ or advance claims not validated by the Supreme Court, warning that such actions could foster political instability.
The statement highlighted that despite what it called an overwhelming electoral mandate, President Bio had demonstrated leadership by engaging the APC in dialogue β a process that led to the Tripartite Committee involving Government, the APC and international partners.
While acknowledging the importance of opposition in a democracy, the SLPP urged political actors to operate within the law, promote unity and focus on policy discourse rather than misinformation.
The party expressed full support for the Sierra Leone Police in continuing criminal investigations into statements made at the APCβs 31st January meeting, noting that accountability is necessary to deter hate speech and political violence.
It also commended the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) for what it described as swift action in addressing alleged breaches of the Political Parties Act 2022 by the APC.
The SLPP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, lawful and democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
