By Abu Bakarr Tarawally (ABT) — Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, a leading candidate for the national chairmanship of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has launched a grassroots campaign tour across the country, beginning in the northern districts of Kambia and Port Loko and making stops in Makeni, Kabala, Falaba, and Tonkolili.

Songa, a long-time SLPP stalwart and self-described servant of the grassroots, is campaigning on a platform of unity, party discipline, and internal democracy. He was received by large crowds of party delegates and stakeholders, many of whom endorsed his bid for chairmanship ahead of the party's upcoming national convention.

“I am not merely a candidate but a dedicated servant of our community, moulded by our shared experiences and motivated by the resilience of our grassroots supporters,” Songa said in a statement issued to supporters.

High turnout and enthusiastic receptions marked the beginning of the tour in Kambia. Delegates applauded Songa for his inclusive message and his dedication to reinstating the SLPP's founding principles.

In Port Loko, Songa continued his message of reform and party renewal, calling on delegates to be part of what he described as a sustainable vision for the SLPP’s future. “This endeavour is not driven by personal ambition,” he said, “but by a desire to reinstate the pride, discipline, and organisational strength the SLPP has always embodied.”

Songa’s most symbolic stop was in Makeni, traditionally a stronghold of the opposition All People’s Congress. There, in the early hours of the morning, a large crowd of supporters turned out to greet him in what observers called a remarkable show of cross-regional support.

Under the slogan “One Country, One People,” Songa promised to rebuild trust within the party and amplify the voices of local members. An SLPP delegate from Bombali District praised Songa as a formidable force. “He connects with both the party leadership and the base.”

After successful meetings with delegates in Kabala and Falaba, Songa continued his outreach in the Tonkolili District. His convoy, reportedly over 100 vehicles strong, travelled in a show of unity and momentum that has drawn national attention.

Songa, who has long served in various leadership roles within the SLPP, is positioning himself as a bridge between the party’s grassroots and its executive ranks.

Delegates will vote on new party leadership at the SLPP national convention in the coming months. Songa is widely considered one of the frontrunners for the chairmanship.

He said, “Let us rise above divisions,” and he added, “Let’s create a leadership that listens, learns, and leads with integrity.” “Let’s create a leadership that listens, learns, and leads with integrity.”