By: Varney Dukuly
Monrovia: Opposition leaders in Liberia are readying to seize power from incumbent President George Weah in the run up to the Presidential and Legislative Elections in Liberia.
The advanced build-up, details of which remain secret, has left the public wondering as to what collaboration would be enough to remove Weah, especially on October 10.
At least two noticeable opposition groups have merged while the others are still in political conversation, seeking to consummate a deal to run on the same ticket.
Most recently, the former ruling party and now main opposition, the Unity Party (UP), chose a running mate from votes-rich Nimba County, reportedly at the behest of a powerful Senator, and former warlord, Prince Yormie Johnson, alias “PYJ,” leaving out major political allies of its Standard Bearer, and former Vice President, Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
VP Boakai’s pick of Senator Jeremiah Kpan Koung from Nimba County, a political son to Senator Prince Johnson, analysts say, was meant to capture the votes- rich Nimba County.
Some commentators doubt that a Boakai’s presidency would push for War Crimes Court for the prosecution of alleged Warlords including Senator Prince Johnson, and many others.
As Boakai’s Unity Party (UP), and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), of Jeremiah Kpan Koung (JKK) and Prince Johnson (PYJ) agreed to a political marriage, two other opposition parties are said to be holding talks for a possible merger.
It appears that attentions have now turned to Alexander Cummings and Nynoblee Kangar Lawrence ahead of the October 10, elections.
Senator Nynoblee Kangar Lawrence who was not favored as running mate to Joseph Nyumah Boakai seems to be operating on longer timeline as she inked on her official facebook page, Sunday, October 7, 2023.
“As leaders, we are opened to talking with everyone in public or privately, as we have always done. Under the prevailing circumstances, our decision will be guided by our principles and vision in the best interest of our country. We will speak up soon.”
Her comments on social media ignited debate among facebook users as many expressed diverse views with a hope to win her support.
In apparent affirmation and support to her post, Senator Darius Dillon commented: “Our GBOSAYDEH, our LEADER has spoken, and fall in line!”
“We can rescue Liberia together, let put mama Liberia first. Remember Your decision today will speak for you 2029. Don’t betray the struggle. JNB,” writes Aloysius Bropleh.
Eugene Fahngon, former Deputy Information Minister also inked a comment that sounded like a parable in response to the Senator’s write-up, “The lone star forever, the lone star forever; o long may it flow over land and over sea……” he said.
But, a facebooker, identified as Faith Hope N Love reminded the Senator with this comment: “When you are done talking with all the politicians, please remember to listen to us too the people – the masses. We too have a stake in this, this time around.”
However, there are speculations on social media and some quarters of the public that a deal has been consummated between Senator Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence and Alexander Cummings for a possible merger.
An authoritative source familiar with the reported ongoing negotiations told this paper on condition of anonymity for administrative reasons that with the guidance of the former President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Liberty Party has agreed to reinstate Senator Karnga-Lawrence as political leader for a legitimate collaboration with Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress. This claim of EJS’s support to the alleged Nyonblee- Cummings deal has not been independently confirmed.
But, hierarchies of the Nyonblee Faction of the Liberty Party have refuted the social media reports that Alexander Cummings and Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence have consummated a deal for both to run on the same ticket.
On Friday, May 5, 2023, a top member of the Nyonblee’s faction, Emmanuel Azango, confirmed that Mr Cummings met with Senator Karnga-Lawrence in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County regarding for her to go as running mate to ABC.
Azango stated that Senator Lawrence informed Mr Cummings to meet with a committee she constituted to decide on the party’s support in the October 10 Presidential elections.
He stated that May 8 has been earmarked as the day the committee, headed by party stalwart, Jacob Smith, will make a report.
In another development, the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), will hold its first National Convention from Saturday, May 13-14, 2023, in Ganta, Nimba County.
During the convention, CPP will elect its Standard Bearer, Senatorial and Representative aspirants for the 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections, slated for 10, October.
The two-day convention will be held under the theme: “Real Change is Coming: Time to Fix our country Together.”
It is expected to bring together over 500 delegates from the 15 counties of Liberia, as well as the United States of America, Canada, and other parts of the world.
The National Elections Commission (NEC), members of the Diplomatic Corps, opposition political parties, the ruling party and the press are invited to observe the occasion, a communication issued by Desmond Ujay Nimely, CPP Director of Communication said.
In another development, the Alternative National Congress (ANC), will hold a one day National Convention in Ganta, Nimba County from Friday, May 12, 2023, to elect its Standard Bearer, Senatorial and Representative Aspirants for the 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections slated October 10.
The convention will be held under the theme: “ABC: A Better Choice. A Better Country, Alexander Cummings is Real Change.”
It is expected to bring together over 250 delegates from the 15 counties of Liberia, as well as the United States of America, Canada, and other parts of the world.
The National Elections Commission (NEC), members of the Diplomatic Corp, opposition political parties, the ruling party, and the press are invited to observe the occasion, said an ANC release, Desmond Ujay Nimely, Director of Communication, said
