Published: December 8, 2025
Gbarnga, Bong County — Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill says former President George Weah has a political “obligation” to contest the 2029 presidential election, arguing that declining to run would amount to a betrayal of the Liberians who continue to depend on him.
McGill made the remarks in Gbarnga over the weekend while responding to a petition from supporters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), who formally endorsed Weah for a second-term bid and called on him to return to the ballot.
“Whether you want to run or you don’t want to, you have an obligation,” McGill told the cheering crowd. “If you say no, then you betray us. George Weah is forced to contest.”
He said refusing to recontest would disappoint “thousands of Liberians” who believe Weah can “change the paradigm of governance and transform their livelihoods.”
McGill Attacks Boakai Administration
The former chief of staff and influential CDC figure used the event to sharply criticize President Joseph Boakai’s administration, accusing it of undermining the rule of law, failing to address economic hardship and “copying” development initiatives launched under Weah.
“They said supporting education and constructing roads were bad things, but now they are doing them,” McGill said. “In 2029, we have to take our country back.”
He urged CDC supporters to translate their petition into votes and to remain at polling centers after casting their ballots to “protect their votes” and ensure a one-round victory.
McGill also issued an unusual challenge to President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, saying they should resign and seek re-election within 90 days if they believe they have performed well.
“If the Unity Party believes they have performed, let the President and Vice President resign tomorrow so we can have elections in 90 days,” he said. “The CDC will win easily.”
Claims of Election Manipulation
McGill further alleged—without providing evidence—that the Unity Party is planning to “hack the 2029 elections,” warning that any attempt to manipulate results would be met with “stern resistance.”
The Unity Party has not responded publicly to McGill’s accusations.
CDC Supporters Present Petition Endorsing Weah
Dozens of CDC partisans from Bong County presented the petition during a program honoring McGill for what organizers described as his support for women’s empowerment and scholarships for students.
The ceremony drew senior CDC officials, including Rep. Eugene Kollie, as well as local chiefs, grassroots supporters and students from Zuannah Memorial Institute, a school owned by the party’s Bong County chairman, James Zuannah.
Petitioners said their endorsement of Weah was based on “tangible achievements” from his administration, including the Lofa Road project, the payment of WASSCE fees, the 14 Military Hospital and the Gbarnga Cash Hub.
“We can’t thank the CDC enough. This party did more than the current government,” the group declared.
Supporters Say UP Has Failed on Expectations
The petitioners accused the Unity Party of failing to meet the expectations of ordinary Liberians who “stood for hours under the sun” to elect the Boakai administration. They argued that economic conditions have worsened, corruption has increased and citizens are “plunged into suffering.”
According to them, returning Weah to power in 2029 would “bring relief to the masses, revive the stagnant economy and leverage his strong international ties to attract support for national development.”
They also hailed him as an “icon of peace,” citing his concession after the 2023 election as a stabilizing moment for the country.
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