Tarpeh Quashes CDC’s 2029 Thirst For Power

By Godgift Harris

The country political temperature is rising as a fierce war of words erupted between the governing Unity Party (UP), and the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

The situation quickly   reignited a long-standing political rivalry ahead of the 2029 general elections.

In a bold and defiant statement that has sent ripples across the country political landscape, UP chair Luther Tarpeh, swore that the erstwhile ruling CDC would never return to power as long as “I remain at the helm of the UP.”

Tarpeh, a reverend by title added: “As long as I remain Chairman of the Unity Party, CDC will never win elections in this country.

He did not explain any means, said: “In fact, CDC is the party that is really good in opposition.”
His forceful remark has been widely circulated on local radio stations and social media platforms.

Tarpeh’s statement, viewed by many as both a political warning, and a show of dominance, underscores growing tensions between the two parties barely a year into President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.

Critics say Tarpeh’s comments risk deepening Liberia’s already polarized political environment, while others within the ruling establishment applauded his confidence, and loyalty to the cause for which UP stands.

However, the opposition CDC wasted no time firing back.

In a strongly worded rebuttal, former Montserrado County District #8 Representative Acarous Moses Gray, a senior CDC stalwart, dismissed Tarpeh’s comments as “empty arrogance,” and predicted a resounding comeback for the CDC in the next election.

“As a CDC frontline general, I want to remind the Chairman of the Unity Party that his institution is the worst at governance,” Gray said.

“They will be the first ruling party since 1997 to receive a devastating first-round defeat without a runoff. The CDC will return with an absolute majority victory come 2029.”

Gray ended his remarks with a sharp political metaphor, saying: “Mr. Chairman, we shall meet at the Battle of Philippi.”

Political analysts say the latest verbal exchange reflects an intensifying rivalry that could define Liberia’s political narrative in the coming years.

While the UP struggles to fulfill its campaign promises amid rising public frustration, the CDC, though with no clear emergence of a name of standard-bearer, appears to be regrouping, and repositioning itself for a strong challenge.

Observers warn that such confrontational rhetoric, if not tempered, could inflame partisan hostilities at a time when the country needs unity, and focus on governance with development objectives.

With 2029 still years away, the country political arena is already heating up, and the verbal sparring between Tarpeh and Gray may be only the beginning of a long, bruising battle for power.