Published: August 14, 2025
MONROVIA – The Congress for Democratic Change is taking its battle to keep its Congo Town headquarters to Liberia’s highest court, accusing the Civil Law Court of trampling a binding property sale agreement and short-circuiting judicial procedure.
Acting National Chairman Janga A. Kowo told reporters Thursday that the opposition party had already exercised its right of first refusal to purchase the property, a deal he says the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard accepted, when the court abruptly ordered the party’s eviction.
“Instead of proceeding with the lawful sale of the property hosting the CDC headquarters, the state acted by issuing a one-week eviction notice to the CDC on June 2, 2025,” Kowo said. “This action violated the agreement of offer and acceptance between the two parties.”
Kowo said the party formally notified the estate of its readiness to complete the transaction, citing correspondence with estate representatives, including Michael Sobatifina, before the dispute escalated.
Legal Battle in Flux
The CDC filed a suit for specific performance at the Civil Law Court, seeking judicial enforcement of the sale. While that case was pending, Kowo said, the court simultaneously entertained a summary proceeding for property recovery, an approach the party argues violates Section 2.1 of Liberia’s Civil Procedure Law on case pendency.
Kowo said Judge George W. Smith dismissed the specific performance suit without addressing its merits, prompting the CDC to appeal both matters to the Supreme Court. The party is also seeking a stay of enforcement.
“The Bills of Exceptions for both cases have been approved by Judge Smith, and our legal team is finalizing the appeal process,” Kowo said.
Unusual Role for Police
The CDC also questioned why the court ordered the Liberia National Police, rather than its own sheriff, to execute the writ of possession.
“This departure from standard judicial procedure raises serious concerns about judicial impartiality and potential prejudice against the Congress for Democratic Change,” Kowo said.
The Civil Law Court’s August 13 writ of possession instructed the Sheriff of Montserrado County to seize the property for the estate and authorized police assistance. Police Inspector General Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman has not publicly addressed the party’s objections.
Preparing for the Worst
While awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision, Kowo said the CDC is assessing other sites for a possible relocation if its legal bid fails. Party insiders say potential locations in Monrovia and nearby areas are under review to accommodate political activities.
Long-Running Dispute
The Tubman Boulevard property has housed the CDC since the early 2000s, serving as its administrative hub and political rallying point. The estate’s ownership claim dates back years, and the Supreme Court ruled in its favor in 2016. The CDC maintains that a later agreement allowed it to buy the property outright, a deal it says the recent court actions derailed.
The Civil Law Court’s August ruling found no factual dispute requiring trial and determined that the CDC had no legal right to remain, paving the way for the writ of possession.
Losing the compound would be a symbolic blow to Liberia’s main opposition party ahead of the next election cycle. Kowo urged supporters to stay calm while the case plays out.
“We urge all partisans to be patient as this matter is pursued before the honorable Supreme Court,” he said. “We will abide by the law while defending our rights.”
Discussion about this post