Monrovia-Even CDCians themselves are aware their once ‘noble and mighty party” is not the same following the 2023 election loss. They are aware of the struggles that defy its existence. From the loss of its headquarters as well as some high-ranking partisans coupled with other internal factors, CDC is straddled. On top of that stands the biggest and controversial issue of new party chairman currently held by Atty. Janga Kowo – something experts say requires substantial display of political majority. To retain Kowo or replace him is the greatest challenge the convention, which is a strategic reassessment gathering, hovers on. But Already, some partisans are voicing content and discontent. One of them is Wantoe Teah Wantoe, who believes it is time to shift the poles. The New Republic highlights his thoughts.
What is on the mind of partisans of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) ahead of its national convention and the pending leadership squabble is no longer in hiding.
Experts say conventions are used by political parties not only to elect a new batch of officials, but it is to reformulate, restrategize, reevaluate programs, reassess, re-calibrate and do a lot of soul-searching.
Political analysts say CDC’s pending convention is above the typical definition, rather a time of a comprehensively pensive review, overhaul and strategic repositioning if it should regain the trusts of the Liberian people, its ardent members and supporters.
As the party prepares for the showdown which is expected to be characterized by alleged escapades, shenanigans, filibustering and other deep-seated ostentation, partisans are worried about the its future, who should be at the helm of leadership (party chairman) and how it should conduct itself post-election loss and ahead of the 2029 presidential race, among many other issues still weighing the party down.
At the peak of the ton of problems staring at the CDC is the issue of who should be the next chairman, secretary general are high on the agenda for the convention.
The stakes are said to be high and partisans who are now beginning to make their positions known between and among those being considered to lead the party into 2029 and beyond.
According to partisans, the issue is not about who occupies the position, but who has the leadership wherewithal to ensure retake power.
Reports speak of interest for Len Eugene Nagbe, Senator Nathaniel McGill, current Chairman, Atty. Jangar Kowo, among others. McGill led the CDC to victory in 2017, and many supporters believe he can deliver the needed victory.
Kowo has been in the position through thick and thine, when the party endured some difficult moments with its former headquarters, arrest of partisans, alleged government harassment through the courts, among many others.
Nagbe is seen as a party strategist, someone close to political leader, former President George Weah. He led the party’s campaign during the lost 2023 election. It is alleged his campaign strategy did not resonate well with the voters.
Wantoe Teah Wantoe is one partisan who has clear his views on the way forward, how he believes the CDC should approach the process and who should lead the party in the years ahead to 2029.
His views are seen as tip of the ice bag in terms of the emerging deep cracks over the future direction of the party and its readiness to contest the presidency in 2029.
In a strongly worded position statement released ahead of the convention, Wantoe declared that Chairman Janga Kowo cannot lead the CDC in its effort to challenge for the presidency in 2029.
He accordingly called for genuine institutional reform and a new direction.
Wantoe in his statement said “nearly three years after losing the presidency, the CDC remains an institution struggling to define a credible path toward political renewal.”
“There is no clear national rebuilding strategy, no comprehensive political reform agenda, no meaningful institutional restructuring, and no convincing framework for reconnecting with the ordinary partisans whose sacrifices built this movement,” the statement noted.
Wantoe, one of the critical voices of the CDC, further criticized the National Executive Committee, saying it remains largely disconnected from the urgent need for reform.
He raised concerns that internal democracy continues to raise serious questions, young people remain insufficiently represented in meaningful decision-making, and legitimate concerns about transparency are too often dismissed as disloyalty.
“We cannot continue to confuse loyalty to individuals with loyalty to the institution. The CDC is bigger than its Chairman, its Executive Committee, and any individual political ambition,” the statement added.
The statement outlined that a serious political institution must have a functioning grassroots structure, credible leadership succession, transparent financial management, a coherent national policy agenda, mechanisms for internal accountability, and a genuine commitment to political inclusion.
While expressing respect for the contributions of those who have served the party, including Chairman Kowo, the statement stressed that respect for past service must never prevent an honest assessment of present leadership.
“My position is clear: the CDC needs genuine institutional reform, transparent leadership, and a new direction. The convention must provide an opportunity for that conversation, not simply preserve the existing political arrangements,” the partisan said.
He concluded that the future of the party must be determined by the collective interests of its members, not the convenience of those currently holding authority.
The statement comes as the CDC gears up for its National Convention, which is expected to be a defining moment for the party as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of the 2029 general elections.
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