Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Daniel Sando, has sparked controversy following a scathing public rebuke of Alexander B. Cummings, political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), referring to him as a “political dwarf” and accusing him of spreading misinformation about the Boakai-led government.
Sando’s remarks came in response to recent comments made by Cummings in which the opposition figure criticized the Unity Party (UP) administration for allegedly failing to bring about tangible change since taking office. Cummings had asserted that “nothing has changed” under President Joseph Boakai’s leadership.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Sando fired back, saying, “I pity Mr. Cummings and his handful of followers. In an attempt to revive his perishing political ambition, he has resorted to telling lies and outright dishonesty.”
He continued, “Cummings is a political dwarf. Apparently, his height has affected his vision: optical distortion.” The comment has drawn swift reactions from the public and political commentators, some of whom view the statement as unprofessional and needlessly personal.
The use of the term “political dwarf” has been widely criticized on social media, with many accusing Sando of launching a personal attack rather than addressing policy or performance-related concerns.
However, Sando doubled down on his assertions, citing what he called “glaring realities of transformation” in sectors such as infrastructure, education, and governance since President Boakai took office in January 2024.
He pointed to the resumption of stalled road projects, increased support for agriculture, and what the administration claims is improved fiscal discipline as evidence that change is underway.
Cummings, a former corporate executive and standard bearer of the ANC, has remained a vocal critic of both the former CDC government and the current Unity Party leadership, branding both as ineffective and corrupt.
In a recent town hall meeting in Ganta, Nimba County, Cummings had declared, “We didn’t vote for change just to change the names of those in power. The same old practices continue. The people deserve better.”
Observers say Sando’s response highlights growing political tension ahead of midterm senatorial elections scheduled for 2026, where the ANC is hoping to gain ground despite its poor showing in the 2023 general elections.
Political analyst Jerome Kpargoe told The Daily Mirror, “What we’re seeing is a rise in political posturing. Sando’s tone suggests the administration feels the need to defend its image, but ad hominem attacks only deepen divisions.”
Meanwhile, some members of civil society have called for more mature discourse between government officials and opposition leaders. “This kind of language demeans public office and distracts from the real issues facing Liberians,” said Ruth Kolleh of the Center for Democratic Dialogue.
There has been no official response yet from Cummings or the ANC regarding Sando’s remarks, though insiders suggest a statement may be forthcoming.
As the war of words intensifies, the political climate remains tense; with both ruling and opposition parties seek to assert dominance in the public narrative.
For many ordinary Liberians, however, the focus remains on tangible results-employment, lower prices, and improved services. The political jabs, they say, must not overshadow the pressing needs of the nation.
