NATIONAL NEWS
GRAND GEDEH – Alternative National Congress (ANC) Political Leader Alexander B. Cummings has called on Liberia’s opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2029 elections, declaring that personal political ambitions must give way to a common mission of rescuing the country from what he described as worsening governance, deepening poverty and weakening democratic institutions.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Speaking as keynote speaker during the Congress for Democratic Change’s (CDC) 22nd anniversary celebration in Zwedru, Cummings praised the CDC’s role in empowering ordinary Liberians while launching a broad critique of President Joseph Boakai’s Unity Party administration, accusing it of promoting division, undermining the rule of law and failing to improve the lives of citizens.
Addressing thousands of supporters and opposition leaders gathered for the celebration, Cummings said Liberia’s long-standing struggle has always been about equal opportunity rather than political power.
“We have failed because what should be a government of the people, by the people and for the people has become a government for the few,” he declared, arguing that successive governments have prioritized narrow political interests over national development.
He accused the Unity Party government of deepening tribal and partisan divisions instead of fostering national reconciliation, warning that Liberia risks becoming increasingly polarized if leaders continue to place politics above country.
Cummings also alleged that state institutions have become vulnerable to political interference, citing what he described as the illegal dismissal of tenured officials, disregard for Supreme Court rulings, selective anti-corruption efforts and politically motivated prosecutions.
He further expressed concern over the country’s growing drug problem, referencing the recent seizure of narcotics valued at approximately US$19 million at Roberts International Airport. He demanded what he called a truly independent investigation into the case and warned that the opposition would seek international support to ensure accountability if senior government officials were implicated.
“The proliferation of drugs is no joke,” he said. “No one will be allowed to ‘eat show’ on us with this case.”
Beyond governance, Cummings painted a grim picture of Liberia’s economic conditions, pointing to widespread poverty, food insecurity and unemployment despite official reports of economic growth.
He argued that millions of Liberians continue to struggle with hunger, inadequate healthcare and limited educational opportunities, saying economic statistics mean little when ordinary citizens cannot afford basic necessities.
The ANC leader urged opposition political parties—including the CDC, Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), National Patriotic Party (NPP), All Liberian Party (ALP) and others—to work together in holding the government accountable and building a united political alternative.
Acknowledging widespread speculation over presidential ambitions within the opposition, Cummings sought to downplay concerns that personal interests could derail cooperation.
“I have said and will continue to say that nobody contests to be Vice President,” he said. “But the kind of change we seek is bigger than any one person.”
In one of the strongest appeals of his address, Cummings said he was prepared to accept any role necessary if it would help achieve opposition unity.
“If I have to be the driver or the car boy to get us to our destination of a better Liberia, I will,” he declared, drawing applause from supporters gathered at the event.
The gathering reinforced growing calls among opposition leaders for greater collaboration ahead of the 2029 presidential election, although many of those present are widely viewed as potential presidential contenders themselves.
Cummings concluded by urging Liberians to reject political divisions and embrace national unity, insisting that poverty, poor healthcare, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure affect citizens regardless of political affiliation.
“Hardship knows no party lines,” he said. “Equality, democracy, social justice and inclusive development are not optional. They are our charge to keep.”
