-Terms its withdrawal from the CDC as “Rash and Premature”
By Jerromie S. Walters
Recently, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) officially announced its withdrawal from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led by George Weah. The decision, as told by authorities of the party was made following a vote by the NPP’s Executive Committee, with 40 out of 52 members supporting the resolution to exit the coalition.
However, Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, who also serves as the political leader of the NPP, believes that the decision made by some members of the NPP NEC was “rash and premature.” “Good morning to ALL. In light of what has transpired over the past few days, I am under obligation to make a statement. Firstly, I am of the opinion that the decision taken by some members of the NPP NEC at our last meeting was “rash and premature.”
Taylor emphasized that as the country approaches the 2029 elections, there will be two teams – one under the ruling UP and another under the CDC. “Secondly, I believe that “there will be 2 teams going into the 2029 elections. One under the ruling UP and another under the CDC.”
She urged the NPP to hold what she termed as its long-overdue convention to elect new leaders who will determine the party’s future direction. “With this in mind, the NPP must muster up the courage, go to its long overdue convention, and elect its new Corps of leaders; who will then be responsible to look at the political field and choose a side!”
She continued, “Taking into consideration that we are in opposition and must choose a side which will enable us to return to power and not remain at the sidelines for more than 6 years.”As the NPP charts its course in the political landscape, Madam Taylor stressed the importance of choosing a side that will enable the party to return to power and not be sidelined for an extended period.
Acknowledging the challenges faced within the coalition, Taylor thanked former President Weah for his commitment to working with the NPP. She also expressed gratitude to the coalition of political parties that collaborated with the NPP in 2017 and 2023. Looking ahead, Taylor expressed hope for a better future and called for unity and guidance during these uncertain times.
In conclusion, Vice President Taylor expressed her gratitude to all involved and called for Yahweh’s guidance as they navigate through this transition period.
The withdrawal
The National Patriotic Party (NPP) recently officially withdrew from the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led by George Weah. Pundits say it marks a major setback for the embattled coalition just six months after its ousting from power.
NPP National Chairman Atty. George Mulbah announced the decision on Monday, attributing it to widespread dissatisfaction among party members. The withdrawal follows a decisive vote by the NPP’s Executive Committee on June 9, 2024, where 40 out of 52 members supported the resolution to exit the coalition. This move aligns with Article 11, Section 2 of the Coalition agreement, reaffirmed as recently as 2023.
Key factors in the NPP’s decision were grievances from grassroots members over unfavorable conditions and ill-treatment during the coalition’s tenure. Despite the departure, Mulbah emphasized that the NPP remains open to engaging with former coalition partners on an individual basis.
The NPP’s exit compounds the CDC’s mounting troubles, exacerbated by the recent resignations of key figures such as former Chairman Mulbah Morlu and former Executive member Dr. Lester Tenny.
The NPP said it intends to notify the National Elections Commission of its reestablished status as an independent political entity, committed to operating within Liberia’s electoral framework.
More of NPP Chairman Mulbah
Speaking on OK FM on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the National Chairman of the NPP, George Mulbah disclosed that the Executive Committee’s withdrawal decision was in line with the Framework document that established the coalition.
“I can tell you that our decision is based on long-time research of our activities in the coalition and at the end of the day, we say look, this is the time for us to leave, “the former Bong County lawmaker said.
The NPP National Chairman said the party withdrawal does not influence any extended political party.
He said the NPP will not negotiate with any political party until 2028 closer to the 2029 Legislative and Presidential Elections.
Mr. Mulbah furthered that the party will this week officially send a communication to the other constituent members of Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) the Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP) on their decision that they are no longer part of the coalition.
“We will remain engaged with political parties as an independent political party registered under the electoral law of Liberia,” Chairman Mulbah added. According to him, the National Elections Commission will have to transact electoral business with the NPP as an independent political party, not through the Coalition for Democratic Change.
He further disclosed that the former vice president Jewel Howard Taylor is the first partisan of the NPP until the party can go for a special convention to decide on which decision to take regarding the position of political leader. The NPP National Chairman said the party executive committee is working on planning the convention shortly.
