Former Bomi County Senator and current Legislative Liaison to President Joseph Boakai, Sando Dazoe Johnson, has issued a sharp critique of internal dynamics within the ruling Unity Party (UP), warning that premature political maneuvering and internal disunity are threatening the administration’s ability to deliver on its development promises.
Appearing on Punch FM 106.5 in Congo Town on Wednesday, August 27, Johnson accused certain UP officials of sidelining governance responsibilities in favor of early campaigning for the 2029 elections.
He described these actors as “bad apples” whose actions risk derailing the President’s ARREST Agenda—an ambitious framework focused on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
“We fought in the rain and sun to elect President Boakai. Now, some within the party are undermining that mission. If we don’t speak up, the Liberian people will hold us accountable,” Johnson declared.
In a startling revelation, Johnson claimed that President Boakai is unfamiliar with over 80% of his current appointees, suggesting that many were selected through party influence rather than presidential discretion.
He warned that such practices could erode public trust and repeat the mistakes of the previous administration.
“Any deviation from the platform we presented to the Liberian people will end in defeat—just like it did for the CDC,” he cautioned.
Johnson also took aim at UP Chairman Luther Tarpeh, condemning his recent remarks that dismissed opposition allies as mere “helping verbs.”
He described the comments as divisive and disrespectful to the coalition of parties—including the former ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP)—that supported the Boakai-Koung ticket in 2023. “The only person in the Unity Party who shows genuine appreciation is President Boakai.
The rest will use and dump you,” Johnson charged. He urged UP officials in government to demonstrate humility and respect toward those who helped secure the party’s electoral victory.
In a broader political warning, Johnson cautioned the Unity Party against underestimating emerging opposition forces—particularly the Citizens’ Movement for Change (CMC), led by Nimba County Representative Musa Bility.
He noted that both the CMC and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) are gaining traction among grassroots voters and could pose serious challenges in 2029. “The CMC is moving fast. While we’re busy thinking about 2029, they’re already mobilizing the masses,” he observed.
Although Johnson clarified he has no intention of joining the CMC, he emphasized that its growing popularity should not be dismissed.
Johnson concluded by pledging to continue speaking out against internal dysfunction and promised to meet with President Boakai to offer guidance on what he described as the administration’s “slipping direction.”
His remarks reflect growing concern among party insiders that political ambition is overtaking the urgent need for reform and service delivery.
As Liberia enters a pivotal phase of post-election governance, Johnson’s intervention may serve as a wake-up call for the Unity Party to realign its priorities and restore public confidence in its leadership.
