By Morlu F. Freeman Sr.
VOINJAMA, LOFA COUNTY — Tensions are rising within the Unity Party in Lofa County following a controversial leadership appointment that has sparked division at the party’s county headquarters in Voinjama.
On February 2, 2026, the party’s National Chairman, J. Luther Tarpeh, appointed Mr. William Akoi Essiah as Acting Chairman for Lofa County. The decision, however, has been strongly resisted by Voinjama District Commissioner, Hon. David Mawolo, who maintains that he is the legitimate Acting Chairman.
Mawolo assumed the role following the appointment of former county chairman, Mr. Forkpa Gizzie, as Liberia’s Ambassador to the Guinea. However, a party insider disclosed that Mawolo did not receive a formal letter of appointment confirming his status, raising questions about the legality of his tenure.
In a pointed Facebook post, Mawolo rejected the National Chairman’s decision, stating: “The chairman is in error, and we will not allow it. If anyone believes that they are more popular in the Unity Party, let have a mini convention and see the results.”
The public rebuke has deepened internal divisions, effectively splitting the party into two factions. One group supports the authority of the National Chairman to appoint Essiah, while the other insists Mawolo remains Acting Chairman until a National Convention or election is held.
Speaking Saturday on Radio Kintoma’s program, Mawolo said the planned induction ceremony for Essiah was intended to be celebratory, noting that it coincided with Valentine’s Day. He alleged that supporters of Essiah disrupted the event despite prior arrangements.
“I am the current Acting Chairman until the party goes through an election,” Mawolo asserted during the broadcast.
Meanwhile, Success Momo Kamara, who claims to be the Acting Youth Leader aligned with Mawolo, also rejected Essiah’s appointment. Kamara argued that until a formal election is conducted, Mawolo remains the legitimate Acting Chairman of the Unity Party in Lofa County.
The unfolding dispute has drawn criticism from some citizens, who say repeated leadership wrangling undermines the party’s image. Observers point to similar internal conflicts in 2011 and 2023, expressing concern that the current impasse reflects a pattern of instability within the county’s party structure.
Residents are now calling for reconciliation and transparency in the appointment process, urging party leaders to prioritize unity and peace.
As the standoff continues, the Unity Party in Lofa County appears effectively divided into two camps — one backing William Akoi Essiah and the other supporting Commissioner David Mawolo — leaving the county with two individuals claiming the position of Acting Chairman and no immediate resolution in sight.
