Boakai and Weah Didn’t Come to Power by Criticising Governments – Opposition Leader Cummings Declares

By Julius T. Jaesen II

Monrovia – In his first media engagement of 2025, Alexander Benedict Cummings, leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), distanced himself from the politics of relentless opposition, stating that neither President Joseph Nyuma Boakai nor former President George Manneh Weah ascended to power by merely criticising sitting governments.

Cummings, who had been notably silent for over a year, told journalists that Boakai was never vocal in opposing Weah’s leadership when he served as Liberia’s main opposition figure, just as Weah himself refrained from directly attacking the Unity Party-led administration when he was in the opposition. “That is not how they got to power,” Cummings emphasised, suggesting that leadership requires more than just verbal assaults on a ruling government.

Unlike his previous hard-hitting stance against the Weah administration seven years ago, Cummings made it clear that he would not be taking the same approach with the Boakai government. “I am not going to be seen criticising this administration the way I did with Weah’s,” he stated in an interview that left some of his supporters bewildered. Many had anticipated that after a long period of silence, he would come out swinging against Boakai’s leadership. Instead, some viewed his tone as surprisingly measured, even complimentary.

This unexpected position sparked murmurs among some ANC loyalists and opposition circles. To them, Cummings’ reluctance to go on the offensive amid growing economic hardship and public frustration signaled either a shift in strategy or a sign of political realignment. Some even accused him of tacitly endorsing Boakai’s handling of governance, particularly in the fight against corruption.

When pressed on whether Liberia is better off economically today under Boakai than it was six years ago under Weah, Cummings deflected. “That is for the Liberian people to answer,” he said, dodging a direct response. When pushed further by talkshow host journalist Julius Decontee Jeh, insisting that as a Liberian and a leader of a major opposition party, he ought to have an opinion. But Cummings refused to be drawn in. “The Liberian people should be the judge,” he reiterated.

His reluctance to weigh in on the economic state of the nation left political commentators debating whether it was a calculated move or an attempt to avoid alienating sections of the electorate. While some saw it as political maturity, others questioned whether it was a missed opportunity for him to assert leadership within the opposition community.

Despite his measured stance, Cummings did not hesitate to commend the government on certain fronts. When asked about his 2023 campaign pledge to grow Liberia’s national budget to $1 billion, he acknowledged that the Boakai administration was making notable strides in that direction. “I have always said that growing the budget is possible, and I must say, this government is doing well in that regard,” he noted, pointing to the latest budget figures, which now stand at $800 million.

The final question of the day focused on whether Cummings would contest the presidency in 2029. His response was neither a yes nor a no. “I don’t have to be repeatedly running for the presidency,” he said, adding, however, that he would remain actively engaged in Liberia’s political affairs.

For now, Cummings’ re-emergence onto the political scene has left many wondering about his next move. His refusal to attack Boakai outright, his praise for aspects of the administration’s policies, and his evasiveness on economic comparisons have created ripples within opposition ranks. Whether this signals a broader strategy or a realignment of political alliances remains to be seen.

His praise did not end there. Cummings also lauded Boakai’s recent move to suspend public officials who failed to declare their assets, a longstanding issue that had plagued past administrations. While he noted that he had expected the president to act sooner, he still applauded the decision, calling it “a bold step in the right direction.”