A former senior grassroots campaign figure of Liberia’s ruling Unity Party (UP) has publicly renounced his membership, citing neglect, deep dissatisfaction, and what he described as inhumane treatment by party leaders, and has formally aligned himself with the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Mr. Jairua G. Joe, who served as Chairman of the Unity Party’s 2023 Elections Publicity Committee for Kakata’s 42 communities, announced his defection during an interview in Kakata on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Speaking to DN-News Liberia, Joe said his decision followed months of frustration and disappointment with the party he once worked tirelessly to promote.
According to Joe, his relationship with the Unity Party deteriorated sharply after the 2023 general elections. He alleged that despite his extensive contributions during the campaign period—including mobilization efforts and the construction of public stages for rallies and political engagements across Kakata—party leaders abandoned him once the elections concluded.
Joe explained that his commitment to the Unity Party extended beyond the polls. He said that out of loyalty, he remained active and served as a caretaker of the party’s Kakata office from 2024 onward. However, he claimed that during this period, he was left without basic support, including a place to sleep or regular access to food, despite his continued service to the party.
Describing his experience as painful and demoralizing, Joe said the treatment he received from party officials stood in stark contrast to the sacrifices he made. He expressed regret over his years of support for the Unity Party, stating that his time, energy, and resources were ultimately wasted.
“The way I was treated after giving everything I had to the party was unfair and dehumanizing,” Joe said, adding that the experience forced him to reassess his political future.
Announcing his decision to join the Coalition for Democratic Change, Joe said he believes the opposition party offers a more inclusive and respectful political environment. He pledged his full loyalty to the CDC and vowed to actively work against the Unity Party, which he accused of being led by individuals he described as “mean and heartless.”
Joe’s defection adds to growing political tensions at the grassroots level and highlights internal grievances within the ruling party, as Liberia’s political landscape continues to shift in the post-election period.
