Yekeh Kolubah For President?

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Former Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah has declared that he will contest Liberia’s 2029 presidential election as an independent candidate, setting the stage for a potential new political battle ahead of the next national elections.

Making the declaration during remarks to journalists, Kolubah said he was prepared to enter the presidential race independently, while leaving open the possibility of supporting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ruling Unity Party if opposition parties fail to present what he considers a credible political alternative.

“I hereby declare my candidacy for the presidency in 2029,” Kolubah announced. “I hereby declare that I will be on the presidential ballot as an independent candidate in 2029.”

His announcement comes amid renewed speculation about his political relationship with President Boakai following rumors that he had returned to Liberia to reconcile with the Liberian leader.

Kolubah dismissed suggestions that he had approached Boakai to beg for political reconciliation, insisting that there had been no direct communication between them.

“There is no connection between Mr. Boakai and I for me to go and beg him. There’s no telephone call between Boakai and I,” he said.

He further claimed that he had instructed his public relations officer to circulate reconciliation messages on his social media page to gauge the reactions of his supporters and political opponents.

“Do I look like someone for me to go and beg Joseph Boakai?” Kolubah asked, adding that he was not desperate or financially distressed.

WARNS WEAH, KOFFA OF POLITICAL SHOWDOWN

Kolubah also directed sharp remarks at former President George Manneh Weah and former House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, declaring that he was prepared for a political confrontation with them.

“And for you, George Weah and Fonati Koffa, I am coming for y’all,” he said.

Addressing Weah directly, Kolubah accused the former president of claiming credit for supporting him politically while questioning Weah’s response to people who show him respect.

“I will fight you, George Weah,” Kolubah declared, adding that he intended to address the matter further at a planned Sunday appearance.

Kolubah did not provide details in the quoted remarks about the specific political or policy issues he intends to pursue against Weah and Koffa.

BOAKAI REMAINS AN OPTION IF OPPOSITION FAILS

Despite declaring his independent presidential ambition, Kolubah did not completely close the door on supporting Boakai and the Unity Party.

He said his decision could depend on whether the opposition demonstrates the ability to mount a serious challenge in 2029.

“The day that I put Unity Party flag on my car, I will support them if the opposition is not serious,” he said.

Kolubah also described Boakai as “my man” and said he would be willing to meet the president if contacted.

“Mr. Boakai, you are my man. If you call me, I will come and we will talk. Unity Party, we are not enemies,” he stated.

His comments suggest that while he intends to pursue an independent presidential bid, his broader political strategy could still be influenced by the strength and unity of the opposition as the 2029 elections approach.

A NEW VARIABLE IN THE 2029 RACE?

Kolubah’s declaration introduces another potential contender into Liberia’s emerging 2029 political landscape. However, an announcement of candidacy is only the beginning of the process, and his eventual participation will depend on meeting the applicable legal and electoral requirements.

His willingness to consider supporting the Unity Party if opposition parties fail to organize effectively also raises questions about how firmly he intends to maintain an independent political position.

For now, Kolubah has made his intention clear: he wants to contest the presidency independently, while keeping open the possibility of supporting Boakai’s party under certain circumstances.

Whether his declaration will translate into a sustained national campaign, a broader political movement or future negotiations with other political actors remains to be seen.