By Sorie Fofana.
On 5th September, 2017, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella officially resigned from the SLPP after failing to get the Party’s endorsement as flag bearer ahead of the March 2018 elections. He said, “It is with heavy heart that I hereby publicly declare that with effect from today 5th September, 2017, I cease to be a member of the SLPP”.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella continued, “I have had profound sentimental attachment to the SLPP since my childhood when my father and family made huge sacrifices as their contribution to the establishment of the Party”.
In the 2018 elections, the NGC which started as the KKY Movement adopted Dr. Kandeh Yumkella as their standard bearer.
As expected, the SLPP re-elected Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio as their flag bearer in 2017. Maada Bio went ahead to win the 2018 run-off elections held on 31st March, 2018.
In the first-round Presidential election, Maada Bio got 43.3 %, Samura Kamara who came second scored 42.7 % and Kandeh Yumkella got 6.9 % of the total valid votes cast nationwide.
On a visit to Kambia district last week, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio appealed to Dr. Kandeh Yumkella to return to the SLPP. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella welcomed the invitation to return to the SLPP but said, “Ar Hole Word”
Kandeh Held Hostage
The Chairman and Leader of NGC, Dr. Dennis Bright took to social media to clarify that, “As Chairman of NGC I would like the world to know that it is impossible for Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella to cross over or join the ruling SLPP Party”. It appears as if Dr. Kandeh Yumkella has been held hostage by the NGC. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella’s heart’s desire is to one day return to his family party and possibly lead it. But the intransigent faction within his NGC Party has refused to allow the man to return to his family party.
Komra Party
The SLPP is the Mother of all Political Parties in Sierra Leone. It is the “Komra Party”, Welcoming to everyone from all parts of the country; and particularly welcoming to its prodigal children. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Dr. Dennis Bright, Andrew Keili; and all those who left the party in irritation are most welcome to return to the SLPP and join the transformation of the country that is being undertaken by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
Before he died, the former Vice President Solomon Berewa said, “The SLPP has inbuilt strength. It survived years in the wilderness of one party state and military coups…It will continue as one of Sierra Leone’s most important institutions, rooted in the fond memory of many people and in the political culture of this country. It will not die…That’s my honest opinion”.
With Or Without KKY
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s decision to call on KKY to return to the SLPP demonstrates his kind-hearted approach to politics and his policy of inclusiveness. Nothing else! With or without KKY, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will win the 2023 elections with a significantly improved majority. Mark my word!
