By Lincoln G. Peters
CONGO TOWN, Monrovia, August 4, 2026 – Internal tensions within the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) have intensified following comments by Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar indicating he would consider serving as a vice presidential running mate in the 2029 elections if approached.
The remarks have widened an apparent rift between Senator Kogar and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, the political leader of the MDR.
Appearing on a local radio talk show in Monrovia on Monday, Senator Kogar said he would not automatically reject an offer to become a vice presidential candidate from another political leader.
“If tomorrow an opposition political leader approaches me and asks me to be a running mate, I won’t immediately say no. The first thing I will do is inform Vice President Koung and the people of Nimba,” Kogar said.
He maintained that he is not actively positioning himself for the vice presidency and rejected suggestions that he is pursuing the position.
“People say I’m positioning myself for the vice presidency, but that’s not the case. Alexander B. Cummings invited me, and we discussed working together, but he never proposed anything. The only person who has never discussed anything like that with me is former President George Weah. Finally, I will not leave the MDR. I think they will get tired of me, but I will remain there,” he said.
Kogar’s comments drew a swift reaction from the MDR Youth Wing.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, MDR National Youth Chairperson Czar Paley accused the senator of undermining the party and called for his immediate expulsion.
Paley also demanded that Kogar surrender all party materials, including the symbolic red beret, within 24 hours, warning that youth members would confiscate it if he failed to comply.
“Senator Kogar is now using the hat that was given to him by the party to fight for his political ambition. We are not just disappointed, but overly disappointed, and we are going to take a very radical posture against him. I challenge him to appear in any public gathering with the hat; we will take it from him by force,” Paley said.
The dispute underscores growing internal divisions within the MDR and highlights emerging political tensions in Nimba County as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2029 general elections.
