The internal crisis within the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) is escalating into a decisive showdown, with rival factions clashing before the National Elections Commission (NEC) in a dispute that could determine the party’s future.
At the center of the conflict is Tamba Samukai, who leads a faction challenging the authority of embattled party chairman J. Yanqui Zaza. Taking the witness stand during proceedings, Samukai defended the decision by his group to suspend Zaza, insisting their actions were grounded in the party’s constitution and aimed at restoring accountability.
Following hours of testimony and cross-examination by lawyers representing Zaza, the NEC adjourned the hearing, with proceedings set to continue as the commission reviews competing claims over leadership legitimacy.
The case is widely seen as a critical moment for the LPP, which now faces internal fragmentation at a time when political parties are beginning to position themselves ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Speaking after the hearing, Samukai’s legal counsel, Cllr. Eric Kamara, expressed confidence in the strength of their case, pointing to key documents already submitted to the NEC. He emphasized that the commission’s final decision would depend heavily on verifying the authenticity and consistency of those records.
While Kamara stopped short of fully committing to accept any ruling, he indicated that a thorough and well-reasoned decision would be respected.
Samukai, for his part, maintained that his faction possesses legitimate documentation to support its claims and argued that the dispute is fundamentally about enforcing the party’s constitution.
“We cannot demand respect for the rule of law nationally if we fail to uphold it within our own party,” he said, reiterating that Zaza must abide by what his group considers a lawful indefinite suspension.
A major component of Samukai’s argument centers on allegations that Zaza unlawfully removed elected county officials without approval from the party’s National Congress. He described such actions as unconstitutional and pledged to pursue legal remedies to protect affected party members.
He also claimed that internal dissatisfaction has led to the resignation of several senior figures, further deepening the party’s crisis.
The dispute traces back to a contentious National Committee meeting held in Paynesville on November 15, 2024. Samukai’s faction insists the meeting met constitutional requirements, including quorum, and that decisions taken there—including disciplinary actions—should be recognized by the NEC.
They have accused Zaza of overstepping his authority, undermining party unity, and violating internal rules. Additionally, they claim he was properly notified of the meeting but chose not to attend.
The faction has also rejected the legitimacy of a separate political retreat organized in Gbarnga by allies of prominent LPP figure Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, describing it as unauthorized.
With both sides asserting legitimacy and refusing to back down, the NEC’s pending decision is expected to have far-reaching implications—not only for party leadership but for the LPP’s survival as a credible political force.
Meanwhile, Chairman Zaza and his legal team declined to comment following the hearing, leaving key questions unanswered as the high-stakes battle continues.
