Monrovia, Liberia — Political commentator and activist Vandalark Patricks has issued a strong public rebuke of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), warning that the former ruling party risks political irrelevance if it fails to urgently reform its leadership and internal structures.
In a sharply worded statement titled “An Open Rebuke is Better Than a Secret Praise,” Patricks described the CDC as a party at a “crossroads,” arguing that it has drifted far from its revolutionary roots and is now struggling with internal confusion and disunity.
He praised former President George Weah for what he described as “unprecedented resilience” and “rare African bravery” in conceding defeat and upholding the Constitution following the 2023 elections. According to Patricks, Weah’s decision to accept the electoral outcome prevented potential instability in Liberia. However, he said the party Weah left behind is facing deep internal challenges.
“The CDC of 2005 was a raw, sophisticated force with a pure revolutionary soul,” Patricks stated. “Today’s CDC has neither strategy nor discipline.” He attributed the party’s current struggles to what he called a loss of moral direction and ineffective leadership.
Questions Over Absent Leadership
Patricks raised concerns about the absence of key party officials from Liberia, specifically questioning the whereabouts of the National Secretary General and the National Youth Wing Chair of the CDC Youth League. He criticized what he described as leaders operating from abroad while grassroots supporters remain at home facing political and economic pressures.
“A serious political party does not govern from the comfort of foreign air conditioning while its foot soldiers suffer in the heat of Monrovia,” he said, arguing that effective leadership requires physical presence and shared sacrifice.
He contrasted the current situation with the party’s 2017 campaign period, when, he noted, senior figures were visibly engaged with supporters on the ground.
Administrative Confusion
Patricks also cited what he called administrative missteps within the party, pointing to the reported expulsion of Representative Samson Wiah, whom he claimed is not a CDC member. He described the incident as evidence of internal disorganization and a lack of strategic direction. “You cannot fix a house if you don’t even know who lives in it,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the CDC’s 2017 electoral victory, Patricks said the party had campaigned on a message of change and opportunity. However, he argued that many Liberians felt disappointed by what they perceived as missed opportunities and mismanagement during the party’s time in power.
Call for Reform
Patricks urged the CDC to undertake sweeping reforms if it hopes to regain public trust and mount a political comeback.
Among his recommendations:
Immediate resignation of party figures he believes were responsible for the 2023 electoral defeat, Recruitment of new leadership with what he described as discipline, strategy, and a strong presence in Liberia, Reconciliation with party supporters who felt marginalized during the party’s time in government, and formation of broader political alliances, arguing that no single party can win national elections alone in the current political climate.
Patricks concluded by warning that without urgent restructuring and renewed grassroots engagement, the CDC risks prolonged political decline.
