Published: October 18, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia – Grand Gedeh County Senator and national executive member of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP), Thomas Yaya Nimely, made a surprise appearance at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Monrovia, declaring that he needed no formal invitation to attend what he called “a great national turnout.”
“I was invited informally – meaning I did not get an invitation letter, but do I have to be given a letter as a Liberian?” Nimely told The Liberian Investigator on Saturday, October 18. “I am a senator of the Republic of Liberia, and wherever an occasion is taking place within the country, it is prudent that I show up to make my contribution.”
CDC Rebuilds After Eviction and Demolition
The groundbreaking ceremony follows months of tension and controversy surrounding the eviction and demolition of the CDC’s previous national headquarters in Congo Town, which the Civil Law Court ordered earlier this year after ruling that the land rightfully belonged to a private claimant.
The property, first occupied by the CDC in 2005, had been at the center of a prolonged ownership dispute. In August 2024, the court ordered the Liberia National Police to execute a writ of possession in favor of the complainant, leading to the eviction of CDC staff and the razing of the party’s iconic “Blue House” headquarters, which had long served as a symbol of its political rise.
The CDC leadership condemned the decision as politically motivated, accusing the Unity Party government under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of orchestrating the move to weaken the opposition and create fear among critics. Party officials described the eviction as “an assault on democracy” and vowed to turn what they called “a political persecution” into an opportunity for renewal — encapsulated in their slogan, “Turning Setback Into Comeback.”
Nimely Calls for Unity and Leadership Preparation
Sen. Nimely, a seasoned politician and former foreign minister, described the groundbreaking as a significant step for national democracy and youth empowerment.
“This is not just a groundbreaking for a house; it is for many things,” he said. “As an elder, it’s important to make my presence felt at such an event that prepares the younger generation for leadership and nation-building.”
The senator said the massive turnout — which drew partisans, legislators, and supporters from across the country — reflects the CDC’s enduring national influence.
Lawmakers Express Support Across Party Lines
Grand Cape Mount County Senator Simeon Boima Taylor also praised the event, calling it a testament to resilience and divine grace.
“The success of this occasion is a divine manifestation that no one can fight grace,” he said. “Even if I were not a CDCian, I would still come here to help this party rebuild its headquarters.”
Responding to speculation about the CDC’s future following the defection of senior figures such as Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Senator Saah H. Joseph, Taylor urged patience. “It’s too soon to assume they won’t return,” he remarked. “The political landscape is still unfolding, and major shifts could happen before 2029.”
Opposition, Ruling Party Show Rare Political Tolerance
In a rare display of political civility, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, a prominent member of the Rescue Alliance and executive of the Liberty Party, extended good wishes to the CDC via his official Facebook page.
“Good luck to CDC on their groundbreaking event today,” Dillon posted — a gesture that drew praise from both CDC supporters and neutral observers for demonstrating political tolerance.
Dillon, known for his critical stance against the Weah administration during its six-year rule, remains one of the most outspoken legislators on issues of governance, accountability, and reform.
Massive Turnout Symbolizes Political Momentum
CDC partisans in their mass at headquarters groundbreaking
TLI observed heavy traffic congestion across Monrovia and its suburbs as thousands of CDC partisans and sympathizers trooped to the ceremony, many dressed in party colors and waving flags.
The crowd, chanting “Turning Setback Into Comeback,” reflected a rejuvenated spirit within the party, which is already signaling its intention to contest power again in 2029 — five years after losing the presidency to Joseph Nyuma Boakai by just over 20,000 votes.
As the new headquarters project begins, the CDC appears poised to transform its loss and eviction into a rallying point — blending political symbolism with an assertive message of endurance and national relevance.
Across social media platforms and personal accounts, photos, videos, and live streams of the ceremony dominated the day’s conversation. Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok buzzed with citizens posting scenes from the groundbreaking, with hashtags celebrating the CDC’s symbolic resurgence.
The event, marked by music, jubilation, and solidarity speeches, signaled not just the rebuilding of a political headquarters — but the revival of a movement positioning itself for Liberia’s next electoral cycle.
Discussion about this post