Two prominent political parties that broke away from Liberia’s ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) have announced a new partnership aimed at influencing the political landscape ahead of the 2029 Presidential elections. The Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP) and the National Patriotic Party (NPP), once allied with the CDC, have come together to form a political coalition, citing grievances over their treatment by the ruling government.
The two parties, now at odds with their former coalition partners, expressed their determination to forge a new path forward. During a weekend event marking the return of key LPDP officials, including former political leader J. Alex Tyler and former campaigner Amb. Togar G. Macintosh, the LPDP and NPP officials used the occasion to publicly air their frustrations with the CDC, accusing the government of disrespect and mistreatment during their time in the coalition.
Moses Y. Kollie, LPDP Chairman, acknowledged the turbulence within his party following their departure from the CDC but emphasized the party’s resilience. “Every revolution, be it political or military, has its own founding father,” Kollie remarked, referring to J. Alex Tyler as the political father of the LPDP. He also announced that the LPDP would be holding a convention soon, marking a “rebirth” of the party.
NPP Chairman, Atty. George Sylvester Mulbah, was equally firm in his criticism of the CDC, asserting that the NPP would never again subject itself to a political arrangement where it felt sidelined. “Going forward in 2029, any political arrangement will be based on mutual respect. We will not allow ourselves to be treated as stepchildren,” Mulbah declared.
The alliance between the LPDP and NPP signals a significant shift in Liberia’s political dynamics as both parties share common values and goals, and are positioning themselves as potential contenders in the 2029 elections. The partnership is being touted as a formidable force that could challenge the current political establishment, particularly as both parties accuse the CDC of mishandling their interests and failing to address key national issues.
At the homecoming event, both LPDP and NPP leaders voiced concerns over Liberia’s economic situation, particularly the nation’s concession agreements. The parties criticized the government for signing deals that they claim have left the country at a disadvantage, particularly in the extraction of natural resources.
Senator James P. Biney of the NPP, one of Liberia’s longest-serving lawmakers, pointed to the country’s mineral resources as a key source of its underdevelopment. He revealed that Liberia lost a significant amount in 2024 due to a poorly negotiated Mineral Development Agreement that resulted in limited benefits for the country. According to Biney, Liberia received little benefit from a $900 million shipment of gold, a loss that he said was greater than the country’s entire annual budget.
“The reason this country is poor is because we have had leaders who are afraid to stand up to Western powers exploiting us,” Biney stated, echoing sentiments that were once championed by his party’s founder, Charles G. Taylor. Biney and other party leaders have called for a review of all existing mineral and resource-based agreements, warning that unless such deals are renegotiated, Liberia risks continued exploitation and stagnation.
