Gbala, a lawyer and seasoned political actor who has been engaged in Liberian politics since 2005, said the initiative emerged out of frustration with what he described as the toxic nature of Liberia’s political discourse.
MONROVIA – The former National Spokesman of the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) in the 2023 presidential election, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, has launched the Liberia Political Centrism Movement (LPCM), a platform he says is focused on national interest, unity, and solution-driven governance over entrenched party loyalty.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking in an exclusive WhatsApp interview with FrontPage Africa on Monday, Cllr. Gbala said the centrism movement seeks to disrupt the longstanding “winner-takes-all” mentality in Liberian politics and replace it with collaboration across party lines.
According to him, centrism in Liberia means “building and supporting multi-partisan collaboration for national development regardless of which political party leads the effort.” He said the movement was born out of a desire to move away from narrow partisan alignments and support actions that benefit the country — regardless of which political group initiates them.
Gbala, a lawyer and seasoned political actor who has been engaged in Liberian politics since 2005, said the initiative emerged out of frustration with what he described as the toxic nature of Liberia’s political discourse.
He explained that good ideas and impactful programs are often rejected simply because they originate from political opponents, while loyalty-at-any-cost is rewarded, even at the expense of the national good.
“The Political Centrism Movement was born out of a desire to change that—to foster a political culture based on issues, solutions, and national interest rather than narrow political agendas,” he said.
The movement has not been without its critics. Cllr. Gbala has come under fire from some members of his former party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), who accuse him of political opportunism. Notably, CDC Deputy Secretary General for Records and Research, Mr. Randall Massaquoi Dobayou II, recently criticized Cllr. Gbala for what he called “stomach-infrastructure politics,” after Gbala praised policy initiatives from the ruling Unity Party.
Cllr. Gbala, however, dismissed the criticism, insisting that centrism is about recognizing and supporting what works—no matter its source. “For over 20 years, I actively supported and ‘praised’ the CDC, and no one questioned my motives. Now, when I commend the Unity Party for a commendable action, it is suddenly seen as opportunism. That’s the paradox we seek to address,” he stated.
“The sincerity and independence of the Political Centrism Movement will be proven not by words, but by our consistent and principled actions over time. We are building a movement that speaks truth to power, regardless of who holds that power.”
Clarifying the nature of the initiative, Cllr. Gbala said the LPCM is not a traditional political party, but rather a value-based political platform committed to evaluating national policies based on their merit and impact. “Whether it’s the Unity Party, CDC, or civil society, we will commend what works and critique what doesn’t. Our focus is always on what benefits the country, not what boosts political capital. That’s the difference,” he emphasized.
Among its core priorities, the movement is focused on youth empowerment, women and disability inclusion, micro-financing for small businesses, vocational and technical education, rule of law reforms, good governance, transparency, and civic engagement.
Cllr. Gbala echoed the recent Independence Day oration by Dr. Emmett Dunn, emphasizing the importance of rural infrastructure and community-driven development. “Development must be experienced from the ground up,” Cllr. Gbala said, adding that empowering Liberia’s rural population is essential to tackling unemployment, drug abuse, and marginalization.
With tensions from the 2023 elections still lingering and polarization between the CDC and the Unity Party widening, Cllr. Gbala believes the time is ripe for a centrist approach that de-emphasizes political rivalry. “Rhetoric remains extreme, and the gap between the CDC and the Unity Party continues to widen. This is precisely where the Centrism Movement adds value — we seek to bridge the divide, promote dialogue, and rally those in the middle who prioritize national development over party loyalty,” he explained.
Beyond ideas and rhetoric, Cllr. Gbala said the Political Centrism Movement intends to have real-world impact. The group is planning to implement community-based projects targeting at-risk youth, women, and people with disabilities. According to him, the aim is to foster empowerment and economic opportunity on the grassroots level, not just in elite political circles.
As part of its structural expansion, the Movement has begun forming its leadership team and setting up offices. Cllr. Gbala disclosed that at a recent Executive Steering Committee meeting, key appointments were made, including Cllr. Dede Nyeplu for Legal Affairs, Madam Andrea Cooper for Finance and Fundraising, Dr. William Kollie for Policy and Research, Madam Margaret Blankson for Information and Outreach, and Mr. Mahmoud Koroma for Governance and Strategy. The group has also opened a satellite office on Smythe Road in Monrovia, with a national headquarters planned for the near future.
Cllr. Gbala used the opportunity to call on young Liberians to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future. “No one will hand you a seat at the table—you must earn it,” he said. “Young people must show interest, commitment, and the courage to fight for the causes they believe in.
