GANTA, Nimba County – The political landscape in Nimba County is shifting as Representative Samuel G. Kogar officially joins the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), the party founded by the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. His move has received a strong endorsement from the widow of the late senator, Madam Arhifa Boyidee, who has pledged her full support to Kogar’s candidacy in the anticipated Nimba County Senate by-election.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected], Selma Lomax, [email protected]
However, MDR’s National Chairman, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, has cautioned that the party has not yet made an official decision on who to support in the upcoming race, adding uncertainty to Kogar’s bid to replace the influential Nimba politician.
Widow Endorses Kogar, Rules Herself Out
Madam Boyidee-Johnson made a strong declaration in favor of Kogar, saying her family and the larger Johnson family have agreed to support him as the rightful candidate to continue her late husband’s legacy.
“After careful discussions with my family and the extended Johnson family, I am proud to fully support Hon. Kogar as the rightful candidate to carry on the work of my late husband,” she said.
In what appears to be an attempt to dispel speculation about her own political ambitions, she added: “I want to make it absolutely clear that I have no intention of running for the Senate seat. I will not be contesting the position.”
Her endorsement signals an effort to consolidate support around Kogar and maintain the Johnson family’s influence in Nimba’s political landscape.
MDR Chairman Cautious on Endorsement
Despite the backing from Johnson’s widow, MDR Chairman Cllr. Kruah has made it clear that the party has yet to take an official stance on any candidate for the upcoming by-election.
“When the by-election in Nimba has been declared open, it will be at that time the executive committee will meet to decide who to support. If we decide to support anyone, we will support that person. And anyone we support will win. But we just do not want to win; we want to win with numbers,” Kruah stated.
He also emphasized that the MDR remains a structured organization with key leadership positions intact and warned members against making premature declarations.
“We respect the structure. The party has a national chair, vice chair, secretary-general, and a governing board—all of these offices are still intact. As we continue to bring new people on board, let’s tell them correctly our position,” he cautioned.
Kogar Sees Himself as Johnson’s Political Heir
For his part, Rep. Kogar has positioned his move to the MDR as a fulfillment of a political “will” left behind by Senator Johnson, revealing that the late senator had personally invited him to rejoin the party before his passing.
“I am not joining MDR because Senator Johnson is dead. I am joining MDR because of Senator Johnson’s legacy,” Kogar declared.
He also warned against political maneuvering that could sideline his candidacy, urging fair treatment within the party.
“I am not here to fight anybody for a position, but the right thing must be done. Nobody should filibuster. When they say Samuel Kogar belongs to this position, respect it. No overlooking of other parties that will overshadow your friends—I will oppose that,” he asserted.
A Rocky Path to Replacing PYJ?
With the by-election yet to be officially announced, the MDR faces a critical decision on who will carry its banner in Nimba. While Kogar appears to have the support of Johnson’s widow, the party’s leadership has signaled that a formal endorsement is not guaranteed.
This sets the stage for a potentially contentious selection process within the party and raises questions about whether Kogar can successfully consolidate the political base left behind by the late Prince Y. Johnson, whose influence in Nimba politics remains significant even after his passing.
FrontPageAfrica takes a closer look at the potential candidates that could contest the vacant Senate seat.
Samuel Gongehn Kogar
Rep. Kogar, one of the longest serving lawmaker from Nimba, is currently serving his third term and has emerged as a strong contender following Johnson’s death. Kogar’s grassroots support, particularly from his hometown of Gomaplay, gives him an edge. His recent endorsement by the widow of the late senator further boosts his candidacy. However, the political landscape is complicated by the rivalry between Kogar and Vice President Koung, both vying for the “godfather” title in the county. Kogar may also face challenges due to the number of candidates from the Gao (Gio-speaking) community, which is larger than the Mano ethnic group in the region. The coming months will determine whether Kogar’s move will solidify his position as Johnson’s political heir or if the MDR will look elsewhere for its Senate candidate.
Edith Gongloe-Weh
Former Nimba Superintendent Edith Gongloe-Weh could be the only female candidate in the upcoming senatorial by-election. She carries the weight of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson’s political legacy, having contested three previous elections without success. Gongloe-Weh lost to Johnson in 2014 and was also defeated by two candidates backed by the late senator—Thomas Grupee in 2017 and Jeremiah Koung in 2020. Now, she is hoping that her fourth attempt will finally secure her the seat, with Johnson no longer in the picture.
However, her political journey has not been without controversy. Her decision to break ranks with her revered brother, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, by supporting incumbent President George Manneh Weah instead of Joseph Nyuma Boakai in the 2023 presidential runoff election surprised many in Nimba County. Cllr. Gongloe, along with the late Senator Johnson and then-Senator Jeremiah Koung (now Vice President), backed Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Additionally, Gongloe-Weh has often been criticized for abandoning her supporters—mainly women—by traveling to the United States after every election and only returning when another election is approaching. Critics argue that this has made her out of touch with the electorate.
Despite these challenges, her supporters believe that her fourth attempt at the Senate, combined with the growing desire for female representation from Nimba, could give her a significant advantage in the race.
Garrison Yealue
Garrison Yealue, a former representative of Nimba County’s District #4 in the 53rd Legislature, is seeking a return to political office after losing his 2020 Senate bid. Known for his discipline, humility, and approachable demeanor, Yealue remains a popular figure. Despite his previous electoral defeats, he retains strong support in the county and could present a viable option for voters seeking continuity.
Armstrong Selekpoh
Armstrong Selekpoh, who has contested multiple elections in recent years, is running for the Senate for the second time. He first lost his bid for District Three representative in 2017, and then unsuccessfully contested in a 2023 senatorial by-election. Despite these setbacks, Selekpoh enjoys significant grassroots support and is known for his criticism of the late Senator Johnson, particularly over an alleged financial request related to his role on the county’s Project Management Committee. Selekpoh’s challenge lies in his ability to convert his grassroots popularity into electoral success.
Prophet Key
A controversial talk show host, Nayaborqua Oldpa Yeazeahn, alias Prophet Key, has garnered substantial support among Nimba’s youth. While his candidacy is popular with younger voters, it has sparked mixed reactions. Critics question Key’s contributions to the county, noting that his influence is largely confined to his media presence, which often involves provocative contents. His lack of political experience could pose a challenge in an election that demands more than just youth appeal.
Musa Bility
Rep. Musa Bility, a seasoned politician and philanthropist, has made a significant impact in Nimba County through various humanitarian projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges to improve market access for farmers, the installation of solar lights, and other development initiatives.
Wealthy and influential, Bility is widely regarded as a formidable political figure. However, his Mandingo heritage could pose a challenge in a county with a complex ethnic dynamic, where many voters may prioritize local affiliations. Despite this, his supporters believe he can once again defy the odds, as he did during his successful campaign for the Representative seat of Nimba District #7.
Bility currently serves as Chairman of the Rule of Law Caucus, a group of lawmakers resisting what they call the “illegal” removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. With his strong political influence and financial backing, he could be a major contender in the upcoming senatorial by-election.
Harrison Kanwea
Harrison Kanwea is a well-known son of Nimba and a former vice-presidential candidate on the Liberty Party’s ticket. He ran alongside the late Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine in the 2017 presidential election. Kanwea also served as Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) under the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and previously held the position of Superintendent of Nimba County.
With a strong political background and experience in governance, Kanwea has built a solid support base. His supporters believe he could reawaken his political influence and emerge as a formidable contender in the upcoming race.
Roland Duo
Roland Duo is widely known for his role during the Liberian civil war as a militia general under former President Charles Taylor. He was among those indicted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). However, he has since worked to redefine his public image.
Duo holds multiple master’s degrees and has demonstrated increasing popularity in recent elections. Although he previously lost bids for the District #4 representative seat, his third-place finish in the 2023 senatorial election, where he secured over 20,000 votes, highlights his growing political appeal. His mixed Dan and Mano heritage could also position him as a unifying candidate in Nimba.
B. Mack Gbliwon
B. Mack Gbliwon served as County Inspector during the Weah-Taylor administration, a role that allowed him to build strong relationships with local communities, particularly in Lower Nimba County. He has been repeatedly petitioned by supporters to run for the Representative seat in District #6, currently held by Rep. Dorwohn Twain Gleekia.
Gbliwon has established himself as a well-connected political figure in Sanniquellie, earning respect among both the youth and elders. His deep-rooted ties to the community and his ability to foster alliances could make him a serious contender in the senatorial by-election.
As the by-election approaches, the political landscape in Nimba County is shaping up with these key figures emerging as potential candidates. Each brings a distinct political background, experience, and support base, setting the stage for a competitive race to replace the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
This news has been updated to include other potential candidates: Harrison Kanwea, Roland Duo and B. Mack Gbliwon.