Monrovia, Liberia – The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) says it is appealing to the Supreme Court of Liberia in an escalating legal battle over the property housing its national headquarters in Congo Town, accusing the judiciary of procedural violations and bias.
In a press statement issued August 14, 2025, CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law but alleged that recent court decisions in the dispute have undermined fairness and democratic stability.
The property, which the CDC has occupied for more than 20 years, is owned by the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard, represented by Mr. Ebrima Varney Dempster. According to the CDC, negotiations to purchase the property began over a year ago and led to a 2024 “Right of First Refusal” offer, which the party accepted.
However, when the CDC attempted to conduct due diligence, the landlord allegedly reacted with hostility, initiating what the party describes as an “illegal eviction attempt” through the Civil Law Court in 2024. The CDC challenged the move at the Supreme Court, which ruled in May 2025 that the party was a lawful tenant.
Following the ruling, the CDC said it formally notified the Estate of its readiness to finalize the purchase. But instead of completing the sale, the Estate issued a one-week eviction notice on June 2, 2025 — a move the CDC says violated the binding agreement between both parties.
The CDC then filed a lawsuit for “Specific Performance” at the Civil Law Court, seeking to enforce the sale. That case was dismissed by Presiding Judge George W. Smith without a hearing on its merits. The party also criticized the court for proceeding with a summary property recovery case while its main case remained unresolved, in what it says is a violation of Liberia’s Civil Procedure Law.
The CDC’s subsequent motions — including a Writ of Certiorari to Chamber Justice Cianeh Clinton Johnson — were denied. The party claims these denials represent “an abuse of judicial discretion.”
Adding to its concerns, the CDC criticized Judge Smith for ordering the Liberian National Police, rather than the Court Sheriff, to enforce actions in the civil dispute — a move the party described as “unprecedented” and “deeply troubling.”
The CDC however, confirmed it has prepared and filed Bills of Exceptions for both the Specific Performance and Summary Proceedings cases, and that its legal team is finalizing appeals to the Supreme Court.
While vowing to continue pursuing a legal resolution, the party called on its supporters to remain calm and patient. It also disclosed that it is making arrangements for an orderly relocation in case it is forced to vacate the property.
