MONROVIA – In the lead-up to the country’s Presidential and Legislative Elections, Benoni W. Urey, the political leader of the All Liberian Party (ALP), has expressed strong disapproval of the opposition Unity Party (UP) and its standard bearer, former Vice President Amb. Joseph N. Boakai. Urey accuses Boakai of engaging in tribal politics to recruit members from the ALP to join UP, leading to the disintegration of their collaboration.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
“We believe that all Liberians were united in their love for the country. In the best interest of Liberia, we made certain decisions, thinking they were for the greater good. But if you fight for your country and it turns its back on you, what options do you have?” Urey lamented.
According to Urey, the ALP has withdrawn its support for the Unity Party due to the treatment received by ALP members within the UP. He asserted that the ALP will make it known to the UP that they cannot be ignored, as they possess considerable electoral influence.
“Several of our candidates were coerced to leave us simply because they hailed from the same tribe and county. Tribal pressures were used to disrupt our unity. These were individuals we had worked with for six years, and it was disheartening to see them turning against us,” Urey explained.
Urey clarified that it was not the ALP that abandoned the Unity Party, but rather, the Unity Party that abandoned the ALP and even managed to attract some of its members.
“If we had participated in the 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections alongside the Unity Party, they would have treated ALP members as if they were insignificant. They snatched away one or two legislative seats that we had nurtured and strengthened over the years. They exploited tribal divisions and forced our members to join their party. But I want everyone to know that we are not foolish and won’t be manipulated in such a manner,” Urey asserted firmly.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Urey stated that the ALP would decide which party to support based on their interests. However, he made it clear that if the ALP chooses not to support the Unity Party, he would not align with them, but instead, support the party chosen by the ALP, emphasizing that nobody owns Liberia.
Recounting the disappointment and betrayal he felt, Urey expressed, “When you work closely with a group for six years, and at the last moment, they tell you they want nothing to do with you anymore, it is the ultimate betrayal.”
Regarding the Democratic Alliance, Urey explained that they initially considered it as a fallback option but later rejected the idea due to internal party confusion. He accused Boakai and his supporters of hijacking the alliance’s documents and the funds sent from America to open the alliance’s account.
Urey refuted claims of visiting Boulevard Palace for discussions with President George M. Weah, stating that he has direct and unhindered access to the President and has no need to meet at the Palace, as alleged by UP partisans.
Concerning the future and the upcoming elections, Urey urged ALP members to focus on supporting their 36 new candidates for the legislative seats. He emphasized that protecting the votes was crucial for electoral success and that the change Liberia needs should start from the Legislative Branch of Government.
Chairman Theodore Momo reiterated the party’s primary goal of winning the elections and emphasized the importance of the aspirants’ efforts in their respective constituencies.
Representative J. Papa Kolleh of Bong County District #7 urged the ALP aspirants to work diligently with their constituents, expressing hope for more lawmakers to engage in constructive debates at the Legislature after the October 10 polls.