By Ibrahim Kabba Turay

Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, has formally announced his candidacy for the position of National Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

The announcement was made on Friday during a well-attended press conference at the SLPP headquarters in Freetown, where Aziz-Kamara confirmed his intention to succeed the outgoing Secretary General, Umaru Napoleon Koroma.

In his address, Aziz-Kamara thanked the party leadership for their service, singling out Secretary General Koroma, Party Chairman, and President Julius Maada Bio for their guidance and commitment to the party. He described President Bio as “the leader of our great party,” and commended his leadership and accomplishments.

Aziz-Kamara emphasized that his decision to run was not based on personal ambition but on a deep commitment to service. “The SLPP is more than a political party—it is an institution. We must manage it with professionalism, structure, and purpose,” he stated.

He outlined a bold vision to modernize the SLPP through what he described as the “Four Rs”: Respect, Recognition, Reward, and Results. His platform includes strengthening accountability, enhancing party communications, and improving governance structures at regional and district levels.

Aziz-Kamara also pledged to promote inclusivity by empowering women, building strategic alliances, and improving the welfare of grassroots members. He announced plans to review the party’s welfare policies, increase membership at home and abroad, and establish a leadership academy under the SLPP umbrella.

“I am running to protect and build upon the legacy of President Bio, who has done exceptionally well for both the SLPP and the country,” he said.

The event was chaired by Fourah Bay College lecturer Charles Silver, who described Aziz-Kamara as “a born leader” with a long-standing record of service and excellence. “He is the fittest and finest candidate for this role,” Silver declared.

Aziz-Kamara enters a competitive race that includes high-profile contenders such as Clerk of Parliament Paran Tarawallie and other senior party officials.