In a landmark transition of leadership, Dr. Prince Alex Harding has officially handed over the chairmanship of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to newly elected National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa. The grand ceremony took place on Saturday at the party’s headquarters in Freetown, drawing an impressive turnout of senior officials, party stalwarts, and supporters.
The event marked the close of Dr. Harding’s two-term tenure, during which he steered the SLPP through four successful election victories. Among those in attendance were Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, veteran politician Dr. Sama Banya, former ECOWAS Speaker Sidi Mohamed Tunis, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, party executives, and grassroots members from across the country.
SLPP National Secretary-General Hon. Paran Umarr Tarawallie commended Dr. Harding’s leadership and commitment to the party, describing him as a mentor who built a foundation for the next generation of SLPP leaders.
“Prince Harding trained a quality group of people who are now trusted to lead the party forward,” Tarawallie said. “I am learning from his example.”
In his farewell speech, an emotional Dr. Harding reflected on his decades-long relationship with the SLPP, which he joined in his late twenties.
“This is a fantastic day,” he said. “I will be with Chairman Batilo to ensure the party stays on the right footing. I believe he will do an even better job.”
Dr. Harding formally handed over several key party documents, including employee records for 16 staff members, financial statements, and land documents covering 10 hectares of SLPP-owned property.
Taking the mantle, Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa expressed profound gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to strengthen the party’s unity, functionality, and political influence.
“There is a new sheriff in town,” Songa declared to thunderous applause. “We will make all party structures functional and align the SLPP more closely with governance. We are going to keep the APC permanently in opposition.”
Songa announced plans to resign from his government position to dedicate himself fully to party leadership. “We must bring the party closer to the people,” he said. “Our mission is to serve not just our members but the nation.”
He also paid tribute to SLPP elders, particularly Dr. Sama Banya, and lauded Dr. Harding for his mentorship and enduring service.
A symbolic “First Lady” handover took place during the ceremony, with Ann Marie Harding, wife of the outgoing chairman, transferring her role to Wuyata Songa, wife of the new chairman. Madam Harding thanked SLPP women for their steadfast support and encouraged her successor to prioritize women’s empowerment within the party.
“Always work with the women,” she advised. “They are the soul of this movement.”
Representatives from the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and the All Political Parties Association (APPA) praised the peaceful transition, pledging to collaborate with the new executive.
“We’re here to preach peace,” said an APPA representative. “Politics is not about violence but a battle of ideas.”
Grassroots Chairman Marrah described the handover as “historic,” urging the new leadership to maintain close ties with the party’s base, which he called the SLPP’s “bedrock.”
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who also chairs the SLPP Constitutional Review Committee, lauded both Dr. Harding and Mr. Songa for their leadership and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national unity and progress.
As the SLPP ushers in a new era under Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, the ceremony symbolized not only a peaceful transition of leadership but also a renewed pledge to uphold unity, discipline, and service to the nation.
By: Fenan Sesay
