GANTA, Nimba County – On April 22, the political pulse of the second most populous county will be tested in a by-election that has rapidly evolved into a defining moment. What was expected to be a procedural vote to replace the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson has instead morphed into a high-stakes political contest — one that could redraw the future of power, identity, and influence in Nimba.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The Absence that Changed Everything
Johnson’s death in November 2024 ended more than just a senatorial career— it closed a chapter in Liberian politics defined by singular dominance. For nearly 20 years, Johnson held sway over Nimba’s political terrain like no other. His reach extended from the grassroots to the national stage, and his endorsement often meant the difference between victory and defeat.
A former warlord turned evangelist, Johnson’s legacy was complicated but powerful. His word was law among much of the Gio electorate, and his influence made Nimba a formidable electoral bloc in Liberia’s presidential elections. Now, that once-unbreakable grip has loosened—and a scramble for control has ensued.
Koung’s Make-or-Break Moment
Standing at the center of the power vacuum is Vice President Jeremiah Koung — Johnson’s political heir apparent. Once his protégé, Koung is now vying to step into the vacuum left behind. He has thrown his weight behind Samuel Kogar, a sitting representative and candidate of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), the party Johnson founded.
Koung hasn’t taken this task lightly. For nearly a week, he traversed all nine of Nimba’s electoral districts, rallying support and pushing a message of unity. “Some people want to act as if Prince Johnson left no legacy,” he told a crowd in Karnplay. “But Prince trained us. We are here.”
With seven of the county’s nine lawmakers standing behind him, Koung is presenting himself as the custodian of continuity. Yet, the question lingers: Can he command loyalty without the man who made him?
The Unraveling of a Political Bloc?
For years, Nimba was the wild card in Liberia’s electoral math—capable of swinging national elections. The county backed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2005 and 2011, George Weah in 2017, and Joseph Boakai in 2023. But the foundation of that unity—often tribal, sometimes transactional—is beginning to fracture.
Enter Musa Hassan Bility, a political maverick and leader of the newly formed Citizens Movement for Change (CMC). Bility has emerged as a vocal critic of the status quo and is supporting former county inspector Mark Gblinwon. His campaign is a direct appeal to those tired of the kingmaker model that defined Johnson’s reign.
Bility’s growing influence—especially in central and lower Nimba—is reshaping the narrative. It’s no longer just about Gio vs. Mano or loyalty to the godfather. It’s about who has the vision to move the county forward.
The Gongloe-Weh Factor: Fourth Time’s the Charm?
Then there’s Edith Gongloe-Weh—a familiar name in Nimba politics and the only woman in the race. This is her fourth attempt at the Senate seat, and many believe her previous defeats were due, in part, to Johnson’s direct or indirect opposition.
But 2025 may be different. With the godfather gone, Gongloe-Weh has reportedly received a last-minute but potentially game-changing endorsement from the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).
Should she win, she would make history as Nimba’s first post-war elected female senator. Beyond that, insiders say she could become a strong contender for the vice presidency in 2029, perhaps even running alongside former President George Weah.
What’s at Stake isn’t Just a Seat
More than a Senate seat is on the line. For Koung, the stakes are personal and strategic. A win for Kogar would solidify his position as the next kingmaker of Nimba — and potentially a presidential contender. A loss, however, could expose the limits of his influence and fracture the political machine he inherited.
For Bility, this election is an audition for a reformist movement built on transparency and generational change. For Gongloe-Weh, it’s a moment of redemption, decades in the making.
But for the voters, the stakes are even more grounded. Many in Nimba are tired of being political pawns. From roadside sellers in Ganta to elders in Sanniquellie, the question on everyone’s mind is the same: Will this election finally bring leadership that listens?
The District-Level Battlegrounds
District One: The Commercial Wild Card
With 33,646 registered voters and an estimated turnout of 12,640, this district—anchored by the bustling city of Ganta—is a melting pot. Though predominantly Mano, its urban, multiethnic character means tribal loyalty may not be the dominant factor. Gongloe-Weh could have the edge, but Kogar and Yealue are close behind. Young, urban voters could swing the outcome.
District Two: Safe Zone for Gongloe-Weh?
With 32,533 registered voters and a projected 12,222 turnout, this district includes Sanniquellie and other core Mano communities. Gongloe-Weh is expected to dominate here, possibly securing 60% of the vote. It’s a must-win district for her ambitions.
District Three: Yealue’s to Lose?
With 34,518 voters and deep Gio roots, this district has been Yealue’s traditional stronghold. His family legacy still carries weight. However, Kogar remains competitive, and Edith trails. A tight grassroots push could shift the numbers.
District Four: The Margin of Error District
More than 35,000 voters are registered here. Yealue once represented this district, but Kogar’s close ties to Koung could tip the balance. The 13,288 expected voters make this one of the most volatile districts in play.
District Five: Kogar’s Home Advantage?
This is Kogar’s backyard, with 26,230 voters and a projected turnout of 9,854. Towns like Buutuo and Wea Beeplay are expected to line up behind him. Anything short of a landslide here would be troubling for his campaign.
District Six: Gblinwon’s Surprise Edge
In Tappita and surrounding areas—where Gio and Krahn voters intermingle—Gblinwon is expected to perform well. With 10,462 votes in play, this is where the CMC hopes to register its biggest impact.
District Seven: Split Territory
With 31,692 voters and nearly 12,000 expected to vote, this district is a mix of Gio and Mano populations. Kogar may dominate Saclepea and Bahn, but Edith could make significant inroads if she pulls crossover support.
District Eight: Gongloe-Weh’s Fortress?
From Flumpa to Geepo, Mano loyalty runs deep. Gongloe-Weh has overwhelming support here, though Kogar’s maternal links to the area provide a slight complication. With 11,657 votes in play, she’s counting on this to cushion losses elsewhere.
District Nine: Mano Dominance with a Twist
This district, with 26,707 registered voters and a projected 10,033 turnout, is Gongloe-Weh’s home turf. She’s expected to lead, with fellow Mano candidate Tingban in second. Kogar has limited influence here, making this a must-win zone for Edith.
