Cummings Breaks Ranks on Boakai

MONROVIA, Liberia, September 7, 2026 — Alternative National Congress (ANC) Political Leader Alexander B. Cummings has urged opposition leaders to support President Joseph Nyuma Boakai when his administration pursues policies that advance Liberia’s interests, arguing that the government’s success ultimately benefits the country and its people.

Cummings said political competition should not be reduced to opposing everything an incumbent government does, but should instead focus on ideas, constructive criticism and solutions to Liberia’s problems.

“We’ve got to stop this crab mentality that we put each other down. It’s too much. We’ve got to lift up the country,” Cummings told journalists Sunday.

“We should wish each other well. We should wish President Boakai well, because if he’s doing well, if the country is doing well, then hopefully there’s something for our people that is going right. And that’s what we should all want,” he added.

His comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition political parties to forge greater cooperation ahead of the 2029 presidential and legislative elections.

Cummings, who has been a vocal critic of successive governments, said political leaders should move away from what he described as a “race to the bottom” and instead pursue a “race to the top,” competing over better policies and practical solutions.

He maintained that political differences should not prevent opposition leaders from recognizing government actions that serve the national interest or working together on issues that benefit Liberians.

According to the ANC leader, the opposition has a responsibility not only to criticize the government but also to offer credible alternatives to policies it considers inadequate.

“We all should be in it. Not just criticizing, because we can and should. We should also offer solutions,” Cummings said, adding that he generally seeks to propose alternatives when criticizing government policies.

He also urged the Boakai administration to remain receptive to proposals from opposition political parties, saying good ideas should be considered regardless of their political origin.

Cummings further addressed prospects for greater opposition collaboration ahead of the 2029 elections, arguing that difficulties experienced by the former Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) should not discourage future efforts at political cooperation.

“The mistakes of the Collaborating Political Parties should not stop us from working together for the future. We just need to be smarter and wiser,” he said.

Asked whether he would be willing to work with other opposition leaders toward a unified political arrangement for 2029, Cummings said the discussion should focus on the country rather than his personal political ambitions.

“This is about Liberia, not about me,” he said, while suggesting that other opposition leaders should also be asked about their willingness to cooperate.

Cummings spoke to journalists Sunday after worshipping at the New Water in the Desert Assembly Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Brewerville, Montserrado County.

His remarks come as opposition parties explore areas of common interest and possible collaboration ahead of 2029, while seeking to define their approach to the Unity Party-led government over the remainder of President Boakai’s term.