John Oponjo Benjamin Reflects on NPRC Legacy and Sets Sights on SLPP Leadership Ahead of 2028
By: James Kamara-Manneh
Veteran politician John Oponjo Benjamin has reaffirmed his political relevance and ambition, offering a sweeping reflection on his public service career while declaring his intention to contest for the flagbearer position of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on the EPIC Morning Show in Freetown, Benjamin revisited his role during the era of the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC), highlighting both the challenges and achievements of that period.
“Under the NPRC, we faced significant challenges both locally and internationally,” he stated, underscoring the complexity of governance during a time marked by civil unrest and economic instability. He emphasized his central role within the administration, noting that as Head of Cabinet and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council, he operated at the core of decision-making processes.
Benjamin painted a grim picture of the state inherited from the All People’s Congress (APC), describing a nation plagued by economic hardship, energy shortages, and widespread scarcity. “There was no electricity, people queued for rice, and there was a severe fuel shortage. This reflected poor management,” he asserted.
According to him, the NPRC government acted decisively upon assuming power. He credited the administration with restoring essential services, stabilizing governance structures, and overseeing a transition to democratic rule. “We moved swiftly to address these challenges and were able to conduct elections and stimulate economic growth,” he said, portraying the NPRC period as a foundational phase in Sierra Leone’s modern political trajectory.
Benjamin also defended the government’s approach to media relations during the civil war, arguing that despite persistent criticism, the NPRC refrained from suppressing press freedom. “We chose not to engage in conflict with the media. We managed our internal issues without arresting or silencing journalists,” he explained.
Reflecting on his later role as Minister of Finance under President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, Benjamin highlighted what he described as a landmark economic achievement: the cancellation of over $750 million in external debt. He further claimed that his administration left substantial financial reserves for the incoming government, resources he believes were not effectively utilized.
Turning to electoral politics, Benjamin made strong allegations regarding past elections, particularly the 2007 and 2012 polls. He accused former Chief Electoral Commissioner Christiana Thorpe of canceling hundreds of polling stations in SLPP strongholds, a move he claims contributed to the party’s defeat. “In my view, the results were manipulated,” he stated.
He also recounted periods of political tension under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, alleging surveillance and harassment due to his outspoken criticism. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Koroma occasionally engaged with his views, describing their current relationship as cordial.
On contemporary governance, Benjamin expressed support for President Julius Maada Bio, asserting that the current administration is managing the economy more effectively than its predecessor. However, he clarified that he is no longer directly advising the president.
Positioning himself as a seasoned and principled politician, Benjamin declared his readiness to lead the SLPP into the next electoral cycle. “I have maintained integrity and credibility over the years, and I believe I am best suited to lead the SLPP in the 2028 election,” he affirmed.
As Sierra Leone’s political landscape gradually shifts toward the next general elections, Benjamin’s re-emergence signals a potential intensification of internal competition within the SLPP, as well as a broader debate over the country’s political past and future direction.
