CDC Secretary-General Mr. Jefferson Tamba Koijee
Monrovia-The National Executive Committee of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has mounted its strongest defense yet of the party’s CDC-USA Convention, dismissing claims that the process has been undermined by constitutional violations and insisting that disagreements within the diaspora organization should be resolved through dialogue rather than boycott.
By Willie N. Tokpah
In an official response to Front Page Africa, CDC Secretary-General Jefferson Tamba Koijee sought to calm growing tensions surrounding the Philadelphia Convention, arguing that while the party respects the democratic right of members to disagree, no internal dispute should be
allowed to weaken the constitutional authority, unity and institutional integrity of the former ruling party.
Mr. Koijee’s intervention comes after four CDC-USA Chapters, Iowa, Texas, Minnesota and Delaware along with the influential Olu Camp, announced they would boycott the convention, accusing organizers of constitutional breaches, exclusion, questionable delegate accreditation, disputed chapter registrations and what they described as excessive interference by the party’s leadership in Liberia.
But Mr. Koijee firmly rejected suggestions that the National Executive Committee had improperly interfered in the affairs of the diaspora organization, maintaining that the CDC’s leadership in Monrovia possesses both the constitutional mandate and institutional responsibility to supervise recognized party structures worldwide.
“The National Executive Committee of the Congress for Democratic Change, headquartered in Liberia, is the supreme parental leadership of the party,” Mr. Koijee stated.
“It possesses the constitutional and institutional authority to provide guidance and leadership to all recognized structures of the CDC, both within Liberia and throughout the diaspora. The exercise of this responsibility must not be grossly misconstrued as interference.”
The CDC Secretary-General’s remarks directly respond to one of the central accusations raised by the protesting chapters, which argued that Liberia-based party leaders had repeatedly intervened in CDC-USA Affairs while failing to respect the autonomy of the diaspora organization.
Mr. Koijee, however, insisted that oversight by the National Executive Committee is both legitimate and necessary under the party’s constitutional framework.
While acknowledging the boycott, the CDC’s chief administrative scribe sought to portray the withdrawals as an exercise of democratic freedom rather than evidence of institutional collapse.
“The party respects the democratic decision of any chapter or partisan who chooses not to participate in the convention,” intimated.
“Participation or non-participation remains a matter of personal and organizational choice, and the CDC will continue to jealously protect the democratic rights of its members.”
At the same time, he cautioned that disagreement should never be allowed to undermine party discipline or constitutional order.
“Disagreement must not be permitted to undermine the constitutional order, discipline, unity and collective interests of the party,” Mr. Koijee emphasized, adding that the National Executive Committee remains committed to ensuring that all party activities are conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions, established procedures and the ideological principles of the CDC.
Perhaps the most politically cardinal aspect of Mr. Koijee’s response concerns allegations that the convention lacks democratic legitimacy because key leadership positions are expected to be filled through what members have described as a “white ballot,” with no electoral contests anticipated.
Critics have argued that the absence of competition, coupled with the withdrawal of several recognized chapters, diminishes the convention’s credibility.
Mr. Koijee strongly argues, saying, “An uncontested electoral process is not, in itself, undemocratic, provided that members were afforded a lawful opportunity to participate, nominate candidates and exercise their constitutional rights.”
He added that the legitimacy of the convention should be judged on constitutional compliance and due process rather than whether particular positions attract multiple candidates.
According to Mr. Koijee, that position represents the CDC leadership’s clearest rebuttal yet to claims that the Philadelphia gathering has become a predetermined exercise lacking genuine democratic participation.
The Liberian opposition-based political party Secretary-General also sought to reassure party supporters that dissent alone does not invalidate decisions reached through recognized constitutional procedures.
“The National Executive Committee has consistently encouraged dialogue, reconciliation and constructive engagement among all stakeholders,” he said.
“While some disagreements may remain unresolved, the existence of dissent does not automatically invalidate the convention or the decisions lawfully reached by participating delegates and recognized chapters.”
Mr. Koijee nevertheless acknowledged that healing internal divisions must become a priority once new leadership emerges from the convention.
“As the parental body, we strongly encourage the incoming leadership of CDC-USA to adopt a culture of reconciliation, inclusion and sustained engagement,” he said.
“It must reach out to the dissenting chapters, rebuild confidence and work diligently to restore unity across the party’s diaspora organization.”
His comments suggest that the party recognizes the seriousness of the divisions but believes they can be resolved through engagement rather than institutional confrontation.
Mr. Koijee also confirmed that CDC Political Leader and former President George Manneh Weah will attend the Philadelphia Convention in person as its guest speaker, a move expected to reinforce the party leadership’s confidence in the legitimacy of the gathering despite the boycott.
“We further congratulate all chapters, delegates and partisans attending the convention and urge them to remain disciplined, peaceful and law-abiding,” he asserted.
The Secretary-General concluded with an appeal for party cohesion, insisting that the CDC remains united despite its internal disagreements.
“The CDC remains one political family,” Mr. Koijee pointed out.
“Internal disagreements must be addressed through dialogue, constitutional procedures and mutual respect, rather than division or hostility. Our collective responsibility is to protect the integrity, unity and democratic future of the party.”
Mr. Koijee’s response marks the first comprehensive official reaction from the CDC’s National Executive Committee since the boycott was announced.
Whether his defense succeeds in easing tensions remains uncertain. However, by firmly asserting the constitutional authority of the party’s national leadership while acknowledging members’ right to dissent, the CDC has now drawn a clear distinction between democratic disagreement and what it views as attempts to delegitimize a convention it insists is proceeding within the party’s constitution.
