Monrovia — The opposition Congress for Democratic Change has announced the immediate expulsion of Senator Zoe E. Pennue, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, and Representative Samson Weah of Sinoe County District Two, accusing them of disloyalty and collaboration with the ruling Unity Party.
In a statement issued Monday, the CDC said the decision followed nearly 18 months of conduct by the three officials that allegedly violated multiple provisions of the party’s Constitution and Bylaws, including Sections 38, 39, 41(A), 42, 44, 45, 46, and 47.
According to the party, Section 47 of the CDC Constitution provides that membership may cease through written or verbal withdrawal, constructive withdrawal by openly declaring loyalty to another political party, expulsion endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC), or death.
The CDC accused the expelled officials of using public platforms to criticize and denigrate the party while aligning themselves with the Unity Party–led government, which it said has failed to uphold the principles of good governance.
“The CDC does not condone such actions and affirms that these individuals are no longer affiliated with the party,” the statement said.
Warning to the Public
The opposition party cautioned the public against engaging with the expelled officials in the name of the CDC, warning that anyone doing business with them under the party’s banner does so “at their own risk.”
The statement, signed by Atty. Janga A. Kowo, National Chairman of the CDC, said the expulsions were intended to safeguard the party’s integrity and serve as a signal to other members as the CDC repositions itself for the 2029 general elections.
The CDC reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as its people-centered principles and vowed to continue organizing efforts to unseat the Unity Party government in the next elections.
Background on the Expelled Officials
The latest expulsions add to a growing list of high-profile CDC members removed from the party over the past year. Among them is Representative Thomas P. Fallah, the former Deputy Speaker, who, along with several lawmakers, was expelled over alleged involvement in efforts to remove then-Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala previously served as spokesperson for the CDC campaign team during the 2023 legislative and presidential elections. Following the polls, he launched the Centrism Movement, which critics claim marked a departure from the CDC in favor of alignment with the ruling Unity Party. Gbala, however, has maintained that the movement is intended to place national interest above partisan loyalty.
Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, a long-time CDC supporter from Grand Gedeh County, traditionally considered a CDC stronghold, has also been accused by critics of distancing himself from the party since the election of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Representative Samson Weah, a CDC lawmaker from Sinoe County, has similarly been accused of aligning with the Unity Party and of supporting efforts to remove Speaker Koffa, though no disciplinary action was taken against him at the time.
