Ganta – Vice President Jeremiah Koung is confronting a defining chapter in his political career, as the death of his mentor, Prince Johnson, in December 2024 has sparked intense political uncertainty in Nimba County. With the by-election to fill Johnson’s vacant Senate seat set for April 2025, Koung finds himself in the midst of an emotional and political storm that could reshape his future.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The loss of Johnson — a towering figure in Nimba politics — has left a void that no one can easily fill, and for Koung, the by-election is about more than just securing a political seat.
It’s a crucial battle for his influence in a county that was once firmly loyal to Johnson. The county is now faced with an unpredictable future, one that could see its political landscape altered by the shifting allegiances and ambitions of those vying for power.
Political Turmoil and a High-Stakes Contest
What began as a routine by-election quickly is evolving into a critical moment in Koung’s political trajectory. As several candidates enter the race, it is clear that this contest is not just about filling a vacancy. It’s about Koung’s ability to maintain his hold on Nimba, a county notorious for its deep-rooted tribal loyalties and political rivalries. The outcome will not only define the future of the county but also shape the broader political dynamics of Liberia.
Despite his prominent position as vice president, Koung has yet to endorse a candidate for the Senate seat, and his reluctance is beginning to raise concerns among political observers. The fear is that if Koung backs a candidate who loses, it could signal a diminishing of his power — compounded by the tense atmosphere following Johnson’s death and funeral.
The Rise of Samuel Kogar
Among the key contenders is Samuel Kogar, a seasoned legislator and Johnson’s nephew. Kogar has received a significant boost, notably from Johnson’s widow, who endorsed him in line with local traditions.
Many in Nimba view Kogar’s candidacy as a natural extension of Johnson’s political legacy, and his support from traditional elders in the county has only strengthened his position.
Some have even dubbed him the “heir” to the late senator’s seat, a title that could elevate him as the next political godfather of Nimba.
For Koung, the rise of Kogar presents a direct challenge. Just days before Johnson’s death, Koung publicly distanced himself from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), a party Johnson had founded and led for many years.
As Nimba County stands on the brink of a critical political transition, the by-election and its aftermath will undoubtedly shape the region’s political trajectory. For Vice President Koung, this is not just a battle for a Senate seat—it’s a test of his political survival and an opportunity to either solidify his position or risk the erosion of his influence in the years to come.
This break in allegiance raises questions about the future of Koung’s political relationship with Nimba, especially as Kogar, who remains loyal to the MDR, positions himself as the natural successor to Johnson’s political mantle.
Their relationship has always been somewhat strained, dating back to Koung’s time as a lawmaker. Reports indicate that Koung had supported a rival candidate in a previous by-election, further fueling speculation about the distance between him and the Johnson family.
Kogar’s Growing Influence
Kogar’s political ambitions go beyond a single by-election. If he wins, Kogar would be the only Nimba lawmaker not seeking re-election in 2029, positioning him as a formidable figure in the county’s future. Some in Nimba are already speculating that Kogar could be groomed as a possible running mate for George Weah in 2029, further elevating his political status.
In addition to his legislative experience, Kogar has further solidified his standing by performing traditional rituals at Johnson’s funeral, securing his place among the county’s traditional leadership.
Kogar’s growing influence, combined with his ties to Johnson’s legacy, makes him a significant threat to Koung’s grip on Nimba’s political future.
Koung’s Legacy and Rising Tensions
Koung’s political success has long been intertwined with his close alliance with Johnson. Johnson’s early endorsement played a pivotal role in Koung’s rise to power, first helping him secure a seat in the House of Representatives in 2011, and later in his narrow victory in the 2020 senatorial election.
In 2023, when Johnson handed over leadership of the MDR to Koung, it seemed the vice president was on track to become the dominant political figure in Nimba.
However, the alliance began to fray in 2023, as a leaked audio recording revealed Johnson’s growing disillusionment with both Koung and President Joseph Boakai. The rift deepened when Johnson criticized the Unity Party’s stance on the War and Economic Crimes Court, an issue that divided the two political figures. In light of Johnson’s death, these tensions have resurfaced, casting a shadow over Koung’s political future.
The Fallout from Johnson’s Death
The death of Johnson has thrown fuel on the fire of political divisions. At Johnson’s funeral, accusations swirled that Koung had betrayed his mentor by aligning with the Unity Party, an entity that Johnson had opposed in his final years.
These whispers of betrayal have only intensified as Nimba prepares for the by-election, making the contest about more than just filling a Senate seat — it has become a referendum on Koung’s leadership and his ability to carry forward Johnson’s legacy.
The dismissal of MDR members, such as Czar Mabulu Palay and Nesco A. Wollo, from their government positions shortly after the funeral has further fueled political tensions. Many see these actions as politically motivated, aimed at silencing critics within the party and undermining the unity that Johnson had worked to build.
The dismissals have created a climate of fear in Nimba, with Palay even revealing that he had received death threats for his outspoken criticism of the Unity Party.
A Crucial Moment for Koung
As the by-election draws near, Vice President Koung faces a critical moment in his political journey. The outcome of the election could determine not only who will fill Johnson’s seat in the Senate but also the future of Koung’s political influence in Nimba and beyond.
With the 2029 presidential race looming, this by-election is more than just a contest for a legislative position — it is a test of Koung’s ability to navigate the turbulent waters of Liberian politics. The coming weeks will be crucial as he tries to balance his legacy, his fractured alliances, and the growing influence of his rivals, particularly Samuel Kogar.
In the end, the political future of both Nimba County and Vice President Koung may rest on the outcome of this high-stakes election.
For Koung, this is not just about a Senate seat — it’s about defining the next chapter of his political career and securing his place in the ever-evolving landscape of Liberian politics.
