By Dadson Musa
In a powerful show of trust and unity, delegates of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in East Rural District overwhelmingly re-elected Dr. Eldred Tunde Taylor as their District Chairman on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The landslide victory reaffirms Taylor’s dynamic leadership, which has transformed a once opposition-dominated region into a growing SLPP stronghold, bolstering the ruling party’s influence ahead of future elections.
The election, held amid spirited chants and green-clad supporters, saw Dr. Taylor secure an unchallenged mandate, a testament to his tireless work uniting party loyalists and winning over new supporters, this victory belongs to every SLPP member in East Rural, Taylor said, addressing a jubilant crowd, together, we’ve shown that our vision for progress resonates, and we’ll keep pushing forward.”
Dr. Taylor’s leadership has been a game-changer for the SLPP in East Rural, a district historically controlled by the All People’s Congress (APC). Since taking the helm, he has spearheaded grassroots campaigns, community projects, and outreach efforts that have shifted political tides. His ability to bridge divides and rally diverse groups party faithful and former sceptics alike has strengthened the SLPP’s foothold, making it a formidable force in local governance.
Dr. Taylor brought us together when we were divided, said Fatmata Bangura, a delegate and farmer from Waterloo, he listens, he works, and he delivers, under his tenure, initiatives like road repairs, youth training programs, and market upgrades have aligned with President Julius Maada Bio’s development agenda, earning praise for tangible results, these efforts have helped the SLPP navigate a once-hostile political landscape with newfound ease.
Political analyst Ibrahim Conteh called the re-election a strategic win for the SLPP, East Rural is no longer an APC fortress Taylor’s leadership has redrawn the map, he said, this victory signals stability and momentum for the party as 2028 approaches, the district’s growing support is critical, given its proximity to Freetown and its influence on national politics.
Taylor’s re-election wasn’t without challenges. He faced murmurs of discontent from a small faction seeking new faces, but his track record marked by inclusivity and results silenced doubters, we voted for progress, not promises, said youth delegate Mohamed Kamara, reflecting the mood of the election.
Looking ahead, Dr. Taylor pledged to deepen community ties and deliver more development, our work is far from done, he said, we’ll focus on jobs, education, and infrastructure to make East Rural a model for Sierra Leone. His agenda includes expanding vocational training and supporting local farmers, aligning with the government’s Feed Salone initiative to boost food security.
The celebratory mood spilled into the streets, with music and dancing marking the occasion. Yet, residents like trader Aminata Sesay emphasized accountability, we trust Dr. Taylor, but we expect more markets and better roads, she said. Such sentiments underscore the high expectations for his next term.