Monrovia – Two former allies of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), the Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP) and the National Patriotic Party (NPP) have revealed a partnership aimed at reshaping the political future. However, questions remain as to whether this marks a true political alliance or a tactical collaboration based on shared grievances.
By Willie Tokpah
At a homecoming event celebrating the return of key LPDP officials who had suspended their membership due to internal disagreements, both LPDP and NPP leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the former ruling party.
LPDP Chairman Moses Y. Kollie criticized how the LPDP was treated within the coalition, reflecting on the party’s turbulent political journey despite key figures such as former political leader J. Alex Tyler and former campaigner Amb. Togar G. Macintosh distancing themselves from the party.
Kollie also declared J. Alex Tyler as the “political father” of the LPDP and called the homecoming event the beginning of the party’s “rebirth.”
Meanwhile, NPP Chairman Atty. George Sylvester Mulbah delivered a sharp rebuke, vowing that his party would never again allow itself to be sidelined or treated as a “stepchild” in any political arrangement.
Mulbah emphasized that any future collaboration would be based on mutual respect, saying, “Going forward in 2029, if we are to form a political arrangement, it will be an arrangement based on mutual respect.”
The leaders’ statements left the public questioning whether the LPDP and NPP are forming a cohesive alliance or merely engaging in a strategic collaboration driven by shared concerns ahead of the elections.
One of the central issues discussed at the event was Liberia’s flawed concession agreements, which both parties have criticized. NPP’s Senator James P. Biney pointed to significant losses Liberia has suffered, including a $900 million gold shipment in 2024 that provided minimal benefits to the country.
He called for a review of Liberia’s resource agreements, arguing that political leaders’ fear of Western sanctions has contributed to the country’s exploitation.
LPDP’s Tyler echoed these concerns, urging legislators to critically examine agreements that have not benefited Liberia. He asserted that only Liberians could truly build their country, signaling a shared vision between the LPDP and NPP for transformative political and economic change.
While the LPDP and NPP have emphasized the need for a more inclusive political environment, their alliance remains uncertain. Both parties are positioning themselves as challengers in the 2029 elections, with a vision of greater autonomy and resource-driven change for Liberia. However, it remains to be seen whether their collaboration will extend beyond tactical maneuvering and evolve into a formal, long-term political alliance.
