Published: October 6, 2025
MARGIBI COUNTY — The Chairman of the ruling Unity Party (UP), Rev. Luther Tarpeh, has cautioned members of opposition political parties, including the Alternative National Congress (ANC), against hoping for the government’s failure as a path to power, urging them instead to work collectively for Liberia’s success.
Speaking Saturday at the ANC National Convention in Margibi County, Rev. Tarpeh criticized what he described as a growing tendency among some opposition figures to “pray for the downfall” of the ruling establishment for personal and political gain.
“What will it benefit a single individual when a government, elected to improve the lives of its citizens, is being prayed against just because someone doesn’t want it to succeed?” Rev. Tarpeh asked.
He stressed that Liberia belongs to all its citizens and that it is “unfortunate for some people to be praying for the country’s stagnation for political reasons.”
“It’s about time we work together collectively for the common good of our country instead of tearing each other down,” he said. “When the time for politics comes, all of us will come out and wear our political garments—but for now, our focus should be Liberia and how to improve the lives of its citizens.”
The Unity Party Chairman urged opposition parties to join hands with the ruling establishment, warning that continued division and inaction could hinder the country’s progress.
“I have no problem attending any opposition political party’s convention once I receive an official invitation,” Rev. Tarpeh said. “Today it’s ANC; tomorrow, we don’t know who will invite us. We are the Unity Party, and we are ready to move the country forward.”
He emphasized that political differences should not translate into enmity. “Being in government doesn’t mean the opposition are our enemies—the only difference is political ideology,” he said.
Rev. Tarpeh also used the platform to address recent social media claims that he had referred to smaller opposition parties as “helping verbs.”
The UP Chairman clarified that the remark was made jokingly during a conversation with Representative Musa Bility following a radio appearance. “I did not mean to denigrate any political party in such a manner,” he said. “It was a lighthearted exchange that has been misinterpreted.”
In response, ANC Political Leader Alexander B. Cummings lauded Rev. Tarpeh for attending the convention, describing his presence as “a gesture of maturity and patriotism.”
Many delegates at the ANC convention also viewed the UP Chairman’s attendance as a positive step toward political tolerance and national reconciliation.
Despite official invitations, several key opposition groups—including the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), National Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberty Party (LP), CMC, and the Margibi County Legislative Caucus—did not attend the ANC convention, according to reporters covering the event.
Observers described the ANC gathering as both a moment of introspection for the party and a symbolic gesture of unity across political lines, as Liberia continues its post-election democratic journey.
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