MONROVIA–Political tension is reportedly simmering in Nimba County following the expulsion of Senator Samuel G. Kogar by the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR).
Kogar has however linked his expulsion to an alleged Unity Party political escapade intended to sow discords and weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2029 elections.
The party announced the decision last week after weeks of internal upheaval over what it described as Mr. Kogar’s “non-compliant posture” with party demands.
Senator Kogar was first elected as Representative and later won the Nimba senatorial seat on the MDR ticket following the death of party founder and former warlord, Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
Addressing the issue at the MDR Congo Town headquarters, the party’s spokesperson, Kelvin D.J. Mattaldi, said the expulsion was based on two main grounds.
“The decision to expel Senator Kogar stems from his failure to live up to campaign promises made during the senatorial election, coupled with his constant divisive statements among partisans,” Mr. Mattaldi stated.
He was quick to distance Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung from the matter. Mr. Koung once served as National Chairman of the MDR before joining the Unity Party (UP).
“While it is true that Vice President Koung, Sr. was once head of the MDR, at no time did he play a role in the expulsion of Senator Kogar,” Mattaldi said. “The MDR is an independent political institution with partisans capable of making independent decisions for the good of the party.”
Also, MDR Chairman, Cllr. Cooper Kruah added his voice to the expulsion saga, saying Kogar violated the party’s constitution and failed to appear for a disciplinary hearing.
According to him, the party acted after receiving a complaint against Senator Kogar and following its internal due process.
“Anybody who contravenes the Constitution and bylaws of the party, that person will be dealt with in keeping with what the law says,” Kruah told journalists.
He insisted Kogar was served a copy of the complaint and invited to an investigation.
“He was provided with an opportunity to be heard. He submitted himself initially, but continued to ask for excuses, one excuse after the other,” Kruah said.
He added that when the matter was scheduled for further hearing, both Senator Kogar and his lawyer failed to appear.
“So that was a waiver of their right to be heard,” Kruah stated. “That’s why, at the end of it, the committee deliberated and came up with recommendations. Part of that recommendation was that Samuel G. Kogar should be expelled from the MDR.”
The party also ordered that any MDR assets in the Senator’s possession be returned immediately.
“For today, he is no longer a member of the party. Whatever he says out there will not represent the party henceforth,” Kruah said.
Kruah cited what he called “conflicting loyalties” as a key reason.
“This party is in collaboration with the Unity Party. We are part of the government. You cannot be part of the government and sit and play opposition in the same government that you are a part of,” he said.
“This party stands with the Unity Party and stands with this president. We supported him yesterday, we support him today, and we support him in the future. Anything that tries to interfere with that relationship, if it contravenes our laws, we will not hesitate for the gavel to hit the table.”
Ahead of the announcement, Senator Kogar preempted the decision in a statement posted to social media.
“I strongly believe that what is happening at the MDR Party Headquarters today is a government-backed effort to remove me from the party without due process,” Kogar wrote.
He questioned the police presence at the headquarters, saying it “raises serious concerns and gives the appearance of an attempt to intimidate and silence legitimate political expression.”
“Liberia is a country governed by law. Any action taken against me outside the proper legal and constitutional process will be challenged through the appropriate legal means,” he said.
Kogar called on “the international community, the Liberian people, civil society, and the media to closely follow these developments.”
“I remain committed to peace, the rule of law, and the democratic process,” the Senator added.
Senator Kogar won the Nimba senatorial seat on the MDR ticket following the death of party founder Senator Prince Johnson. His expulsion leaves him in the Senate as an independent.
Political observers say the move deepens divisions within the MDR and could reshape alliances in Nimba ahead of 2029.
Senator Kogar has rejected the expulsion. In a statement posted on his official social media page, he accused the Boakai administration of using “some people in the MDR” to illegally remove him from the party.
He said the move was politically motivated and threatened to take legal action against those involved in what he called an “unlawful and unconstitutional” decision.
Observers and MDR partisans in Nimba and across the country are now watching to see how the fallout plays out.
Nimba remains Liberia’s most populous county and a key political battleground.
The rift comes at a sensitive time, with 2029 politicking already beginning and the MDR seeking to maintain its influence in the county after the death of Senator Johnson.
Political analysts say the expulsion could deepen divisions within the MDR’s Nimba base and create openings for other parties ahead of future elections.
For now, Senator Kogar remains in the Liberian Senate as an independent, while the MDR says it will move to reorganize its structures in the county.
Both sides have signaled they are prepared for a prolonged political fight.
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