CDC Leaders Urge Partisans’ Calm -Prepares for New Headquarters As It Fights ‘Arbitrary Judicial Action’ 

MONROVIA – The eviction or dislodgment of political parties known for governing Liberia is becoming normal in the country’s ruling party history, and it seems the erstwhile Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) is facing the same fate. It can be recalled 133-year ruling True Whig Party (TWP) was disposed of its iconic EJ Roye headquarters under controversial circumstances, and to be followed by another ruling Unity Party, then in opposition, when the nation saw its personal effects being toted towards Broad Street in 2023. The dislodgment virus is right now chasing the CDC, causing a lot of nervousness in its ranks and files. But the leadership is urging calm amongst its partisans as it battles what it calls “arbitrary judicial actions that jeopardize fairness” in its struggle to secure its decade-old headquarters office. The Analyst reports.     

The Congress for Democratic Change is urging its partisans to remain calm as it struggle to ward off eviction from its headquarters, declaring that it remains steadfast in its respect for the rule of Law.

“As the party works toward a lawful resolution of this matter, it urges all partisans to remain calm and patient,” said Party Acting Chairman Janga Kowo in a press statement yesterday.   

In preparation for all contingencies, Mr. Kowo said, the CDC was also making arrangements for an orderly transition to a new national headquarters.  

The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) reiterates its unwavering commitment to the Rule of Law, said the party leader, adding that “This is a principle that it upholds critically as a former ruling party and a key stakeholder in Liberia’s collective well-being.”  

The party recalled that over the past year, the CDC has engaged in negotiations with the owners of the property housing its national headquarters – a location it has occupied and invested in for more than two decades – to secure its purchase, but such discussions culminated in a “Right of First Refusal offer extended to the CDC in 2024, which the party accepted.”  

However, Mr. Kowo explained in a statement that when the CDC sought to conduct standard due diligence inquiries regarding the property, the landlord reacted with hostility, abruptly initiating an illegal eviction attempt through the Civil Law Court in 2024.

The CDC then challenged this action by filing a Bill of Information with the Supreme Court of Liberia, which in May 2025 ruled in favor of the CDC, affirming its legal tenancy under the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard, represented by Mr. Ebrima Varney Dempster.  

Following this ruling, the CDC formally notified the Estate of its readiness to exercise its Right of First Refusal, as previously offered and accepted, but instead of proceeding with the lawful sale, however, the Estate acted in bad faith, issuing a one-week eviction notice on June 2, 2025, demanding the CDC vacate its 20-year national headquarters.

“This action violated the binding agreement of offer and acceptance between both parties,” said the CDC statement on the matter, indicating that in response, it filed a suit for Specific Performance at the Civil Law Court, seeking judicial enforcement of the sale contract. Shockingly, Presiding Judge George W. Smith dismissed the case without hearing its merits.

The statement explained: “Further violating Section 11.2.1(d) of Liberia’s Civil Procedure Law, the same court entertained a summary proceeding for property recovery while the CDC’s pending case remained unresolved.  The CDC’s Motion to Dismiss (on grounds of pendency) and subsequent Writ of Certiorari (filed with Chamber Justice Cianeh Clinton Johnson) were both denied. These serial denials – without due consideration of legal merits – constitute an abuse of judicial discretion, undermining the Rule of Law and threatening Liberia’s democratic stability.”  

The CDC further narrated that it has since announced appeals to the Honourable Supreme Court of Liberia in both the Specific Performance and Summary Proceedings cases—Bills of Exceptions that have been duly prepared and approved by Judge Smith, “and the CDC’s legal team is finalizing the appeals process”.  

Additionally, the CDC said it has taken note of a deeply troubling directive in Judge Smith’s ruling: the unprecedented order mandating Liberian National Police intervention – rather than the Court Sheriff – in what should be a civil property matter.

This departure from standard procedure raises serious concerns about judicial impartiality and potential prejudice against the CDC.  

The party said while it remains steadfast in its respect for the rule of Law, it condemns arbitrary judicial actions that jeopardize fairness.

“As the party works toward a lawful resolution of this matter, it urges all partisans to remain calm and patient,” the former ruling party said. “In preparation for all contingencies, the CDC is also making arrangements for an orderly transition to a new national headquarters.”