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In a sweeping political move that underscores rising tensions within Liberia’s opposition, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has officially expelled Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, former Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, and Sinoe County Representative Samson Weah. The party accused the trio of sustained disloyalty and open alignment with the ruling Unity Party (UP) administration, signaling a major fracture within the former governing party’s ranks.
The decision was formalized in a press statement released on Monday, signed by CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo. According to the party leadership, these expulsions follow nearly 18 months of conduct deemed “damaging to the party’s interests” and fundamentally inconsistent with its internal constitution and bylaws. The CDC cited several constitutional provisions, specifically Sections 38 through 47, which outline the strict circumstances under which party membership may be terminated.
The party’s grievances center on accusations that the expelled officials used their public platforms to criticize and undermine the CDC while openly supporting the Unity Party administration. The leadership described these actions as amounting to a “constructive withdrawal” from the party, effectively arguing that the officials had abandoned their original political home long before the formal expulsion.
This development marks a significant shift in loyalty for three men once regarded as influential pillars of the CDC. Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala was a prominent figure in the previous government and served as the party’s official campaign spokesperson during the 2023 elections. However, his recent appointment by the current administration to the Grand Gedeh County University Board intensified speculation about his shifting allegiances. Similarly, Representative Samson Weah was elected to the House in 2023 on the CDC ticket, while Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue has recently transitioned from a staunch party loyalist to a public supporter of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s policies.
In an unusually stern warning, the CDC categorized the trio’s actions as “treacherous conduct” and declared that they are no longer affiliated with the organization in any capacity. The statement further cautioned the public and the business community against conducting any affairs with these individuals in the name of the CDC, emphasizing that such interactions would be undertaken at the individuals’ own risk.
Despite this internal shake-up, the CDC maintains that its focus remains on the future. The party reaffirmed its commitment to a total reorganization and mobilization strategy ahead of the 2029 general elections. By purging these high-profile members, the CDC appears to be tightening its ranks and preparing for a long-term campaign to unseat the Unity Party, which it continues to characterize as a failed administration.
Source: GNN Liberia
