Monrovia – Two prominent political parties that once formed part of Liberia’s ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) have announced a new partnership aimed at reshaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2029 Presidential elections. The Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP) and the National Patriotic Party (NPP), both former allies of the CDC, have joined forces to establish a political coalition, citing grievances over their treatment within the ruling government.
During a weekend event marking the return of key LPDP officials, including former political leader J. Alex Tyler and former campaigner Amb Togar G. Macintosh, the LPDP and NPP leadership publicly expressed their frustrations with the CDC, accusing the administration of sidelining and mistreating them during their coalition years.
Moses Y. Kollie, LPDP Chairman, acknowledged the internal struggles his party faced after breaking away from the CDC but emphasized its resilience. “Every revolution, whether political or military, has its own founding father,” Kollie said, referring to J. Alex Tyler as the political father of the LPDP. He further announced that the LPDP would soon hold a convention to mark the party’s “rebirth.”
NPP Chairman, Atty. George Sylvester Mulbah, also voiced strong criticism of the CDC, asserting that the NPP would no longer subject itself to a political arrangement where it felt marginalized. “Going forward in 2029, any political agreement will be based on mutual respect. We will not allow ourselves to be treated as stepchildren,” Mulbah declared.
At the homecoming event, both LPDP and NPP leaders raised concerns over Liberia’s economic direction, particularly regarding concession agreements. They criticized the government for signing deals that they claim have left the country at a disadvantage, especially in the extraction of natural resources.
Senator James P. Biney of the NPP, one of Liberia’s longest-serving lawmakers, highlighted the country’s mineral resources as a major factor in its economic struggles. He revealed that Liberia suffered significant financial losses in 2024 due to poorly negotiated Mineral Development Agreements, which provided limited benefits to the country. According to Biney, Liberia received minimal returns from a $900 million shipment of gold, a loss he claimed exceeded the country’s entire annual budget.
“The reason this country remains poor is because we have had leaders who are afraid to stand up to Western powers exploiting us,” Biney stated, echoing sentiments previously championed by his party’s founder, Charles G. Taylor. He and other party leaders called for a comprehensive review of all existing mineral and resource-based agreements, warning that unless renegotiated, Liberia risks continued exploitation and economic stagnation.
With the LPDP and NPP alliance in its early stages, the two parties have made it clear that they are focused on the 2029 elections and are actively seeking political allies who share their vision. J. Alex Tyler, the LPDP’s former political leader, delivered a passionate address at the homecoming event, urging his colleagues to unite for Liberia’s progress.
“To those who thought the LPDP would fade away, I say wake up. We are here to stay, and together we will build a stronger Liberia,” Tyler asserted, emphasizing the party’s commitment to moving forward despite past setbacks.
The LPDP-NPP collaboration has the potential to significantly influence the 2029 elections, particularly if the coalition expands its support base. Both parties argue that Liberia needs leaders who will prioritize national development over foreign interests. They have pledged to challenge any political arrangements that undermine the country’s sovereignty and to advocate for greater transparency and fairness in the management of Liberia’s natural resources.
As Liberia heads toward the 2029 elections, the LPDP-NPP alliance is positioning itself as a formidable force, ready to challenge the status quo and push for governance reforms, economic empowerment, and national development.
The coming months will determine how this coalition reshapes the political discourse and whether it can effectively mobilize the support needed to bring about meaningful change.
