By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia; September 2, 2025 – The ruling Unity Party (UP) has issued an official apology to its alliance parties following controversial remarks by UP National Chairman, Rev. Luther Tarpeh, who referred to smaller political parties as “helping verbs.”
The UP has also offered clarification, stating the remarks were taken out of context and were never intended to be derogatory.
The apology comes amid widespread backlash from political figures and critics, who viewed the comments as dismissive and politically- intolerant.
Chairman Tarpeh, addressing the matter, explained that the controversial comments originated from a lighthearted exchange with Representative Musa Bility of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC).
According to him, he jokingly remarked that Bility’s party should support the UP in the 2029 elections, while responding to a journalist’s question, during which he referred to smaller parties as “helping verbs.”
Tarpeh clarified that his reference was intended to illustrate that, since Liberia’s civil war, only two political parties, the Unity Party and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), have governed the country, while other parties have typically aligned with one of the two major blocs.
In an official statement released on September 1, 2025, the Unity Party’s National Coordinating Committee (NCC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), expressed regret over the controversy and extended a formal apology to all member parties of the Rescue Alliance.
The statement clarified that Chairman Tarpeh’s comments, made during an engagement with journalists in Beeplay, District #5, Nimba County, were intended to highlight political realities, not to dismiss the significance of other parties.
“Chairman Tarpeh emphasized that despite Liberia’s many registered political parties, only the Unity Party and the former ruling, CDC, have remained consistent front-runners in national elections,” the party explained. “His remarks about smaller parties forming alliances with these two were observations, not judgments.”
The Unity Party reaffirmed its appreciation for the vital contributions of alliance parties, particularly their role in bringing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to power. The statement emphasized the party’s commitment to mutual respect and collaboration within the Rescue Alliance.
“The Unity Party acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Alliance Parties in bringing the current administration to power and appreciates the ongoing support for President Boakai’s government,” said the statement, signed by Lansana Pawenneh Fofana, National Assistant Secretary General for Press, Publicity & Outreach.
The party also called on all Alliance members to refrain from actions that could undermine unity and the broader objectives of the coalition.
“As President Boakai works to position Liberia on a path to greatness, the Unity Party remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding the Rescue Alliance, ensuring the continuity and success of our government,” the statement concluded. Editing by Jonathan Browne
