As a new political party emerges in vote-rich Nimba County, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) of late Senator Prince Johnson sounds a caveat here.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Nimba, Liberia, March 3, 2025—Senatorial aspirant and Nimba County Representative Samuel Kogar draws a political line here by affirming the opposition Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR)’s dominance in Nimba, especially in response to the emergence of the newly certificated Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) political party.
Kogar’s caveat serves as a direct caution to the newly formed CMC, signaling that the MDR of late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson intends to maintain its strong grip on Nimba no matter which party emerges in the politically charged county.
With Nimba district#8 Representative Musa Hassan Bility now leading CMC, the political landscape in Nimba could become more competitive.
If CMC gains traction, this could indeed lead to a major political showdown in Nimba, especially as both parties position themselves ahead of future elections.
While accepting MDR’s endorsement for the upcoming senatorial by-election, Rep. Kogar is solidifying his alignment with the party’s influence in Nimba County. His statement suggests that any political group attempting to gain a foothold in the county is, in his view, challenging the legacy of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
“MDR is the party of Nimba County. Any party that emerges in Nimba means that its founders do not want the legacy of Senator Prince Johnson to remain here. Whether it is YDC, WTO, or any other party, bringing a new political group to Nimba, you are a confusionist”, Kogar says.
He cautions, “If anyone thinks they will cause noise in our backyard, the noise we will cause in their backyard will be worse.”
On March 1, 2025, the MDR officially nominated Rep. Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County District# 5 as its sole candidate for the April 22, 2025, senatorial by-election in the county, solidifying his position as the party’s frontrunner.
This move affirms MDR’s confidence in Kogar and sets the stage for a competitive race, especially given the emergence of new political forces like the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC).
With this endorsement, Kogar is likely to intensify his campaign efforts, leveraging MDR’s influence and the legacy of late Senator Prince Johnson to rally support.
However, it remains to be seen how other contenders will respond and whether MDR’s dominance in Nimba will face serious challenges in the pending senatorial election. Editing by Jonathan Browne
