-Jimmy Batilo Songa

One of the aspirants vying for the position of National Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Jimmy Batilo Songa has recently said that the membership of the party needs a strong and steady leadership, if they are to keep staying in power after the 2028 general elections.

He made this remarks lately while declaring his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the ruling SLPP in the party’s ahead of the party’s forthcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC).

In a public letter recently, the former National Organizing Secretary of the party and also the former Chairman of the SLPP United Kingdom branch, Jimmy Batilo Songa noted “in these defining moments for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the beloved nation, strong, principled leadership is more crucial than ever.” He added that leadership is not just about holding a title, it is about vision, dedication, and the ability to inspire and unite.

He also noted that leadership in the SLPP is about having the courage to make tough decisions and the wisdom to steer the party and the country toward sustainable progress.

Furthermore, Jimmy Batilo Songa who is also currently the Deputy Commissioner at the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) noted that his experience as the SLPP youth organizer during the President Tejan Kabba’s era and his period as two times regional chairman for the SLPP in the most vibrant diaspora region has been a great enabler for him in enhancing the understanding of people and systems. He also stated that he had never failed the SLPP and assures everyone that he will not fail the party now or ever.

He also revealed his academic credentials having studied politics as a discipline. He obtained an MSc in government politics and policy from one of the best universities in London, the London University.

He is married for 24 years now with three children, one a final year law and sociology student in the UK.

The Deputy NaCSA Commissioner also noted that he treasure transparency and fairness, adding that as a seasoned political administrator who has convincingly operated both locally and internationally, he brings to the contest clean  hands to clean all the cobwebs and to straighten any curves on the road ahead.

He further stated that some of his guiding principles of stewardship will include transparency, accountability, accessibility, a people-centered approach and above all, a result-oriented drive that is inspired and would be mirrored on the leadership style of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, with clear policies and clean procedures.

“If elected, or shall I say when elected, i would work to link the party with progressive partners with the same ideological thinking not just in Africa but all around the world” he assured.

Going forward, he promised that he would ensure that the party owns its own office structures run by dedicated paid staff in every district and would strongly recommend a proportionate investment in SLPP’s non-traditional strongholds in an effort to expand the party’s base and enhance the national character of the party.

According to him, most people would agree that without adequate funding, dreams would remain only dreams. But again, he stated that the membership should understand that without dreams the realities would be stagnant.

In addition, Songa stated that he believes that SLPP has enough sources and resources within the party to enable them to fund the party and its activities, adding that what they need to do is to have a believable plan and inspiring programs with a clearly articulated pathway so that “when people understand that they journey is here and the trust is solid, they would certainly take the steps needed to walk with us.”

He also revealed that he intends to introduce a membership database with an ID card and subscription payment system supported by solid financial discipline. He also added that at the heart of any fundraising strategy are the establishments of Business Hubs inside the party’s premises for selling T-shirts, memorabilia and other marketable items as well as investing in treasury bonds.