MONROVIA – The Nimba County senatorial by-election intended to find replacement for the county’s fallen political godfather Prince Y. Johnson is reaching its fiercest moments ahead of polls next Tuesday, as main contenders make their final rounds courting the electorate. Incumbent representative of the county, Samuel Kogar, is facing splintered but equally formidable opposition, and he is fighting tooth and nail to prevail, knowing that the election constitutes a referendum for his biggest supporter, the ruling Unity Party. Reportedly, Kogar is making some gains evidenced by the fact that his campaign scenes often witness an upsurge of citizens and characterized by material endorsements from some of Nimba’s big names. This week, he had two of such big names – Senator Twayen and Vice President Koung – joining the endorsement list as t swarms of Nimbaians looked on, some cheering. The Analyst reports.
In a dramatic show of political unity, tradition, and county pride, thousands of Nimba citizens on Wednesday flooded Saclepea for a major endorsement rally, where Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. and Vice President Jeremiah Koung publicly pledged their unwavering support to Representative Samuel G. Kogar, who is vying to replace the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson in the upcoming senatorial by-election.
The event was held under a beautiful atmosphere, an open stage steeping into traditional culture as elders from various clans performed sacred rituals, traditional music groups sang songs of unity and transition, and cultural dancers showcased the spirit of Nimba.
Chiefs and elders, draped in country cloth, flanked by youth and women groups, added a powerful traditional undertone to the rally, signalling the county’s commitment to its political heritage.
Twayen: ‘Tradition depicts Kogar is the Deal’
Speaking with conviction, Senator Twayen who currently serves as one of Nimba’s representatives in the Liberian Senate delivered a historic endorsement, citing unity, tradition, and political legacy as the reasons for backing Kogar.
“I stand here before you to declare in person what I’ve been saying all along,” Twayen announced to a thunderous crowd. “This county is a traditional county, founded in 1964, and we have always kept a delicate balance in our leadership—across tribes and regions. We elected Senator Prince Johnson from the Mahn side and I, from the Dahn side. Today, we are at a critical juncture again.”
He called on citizens to preserve that tradition by voting for Rep. Kogar, who hails from the same district and family as the late Prince Y. Johnson.
“We have come to you with someone not only from his district, but from his household—a little brother from the same father,” said the Nimba senator. “It’s time we respect the legacy and heal the division.”
Twayen also stressed the importance of maintaining political numbers in the Senate to support the current government’s “Rescue Mission.”
He said losing a “rescue-aligned” senator could tilt the Senate majority and stall development initiatives like roads and electricity.
“All those running against Samuel Kogar are opposition-backed. If we vote them in, we reduce our numbers to 14 and the Rescue Mission suffers. We cannot afford that,” he warned.
Koung: PYJ Countywide Holiday
Adding weight to the endorsement, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung addressed the energized crowd, echoing Twayen’s sentiments.
He brought greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and confirmed that the President supports Kogar’s candidacy.
“Senator Twayen has said it all,” Koung began. “But let me add this—vote number five, vote Hon. Samuel G. Kogar. Unity in working together is the way forward. Some of the people running out there, if you bring them here, there will only be confusion and fighting in the caucus. We don’t want that for Nimba.”
Koung emotionally invoked the memory of the late Senator Prince Johnson, stating that it was his wish to see Rep. Kogar ascend to the Senate.
“He knew he was going to die, and that’s why he wanted Kogar in. From his grave, he is watching us now. If we ignore his wish, he will roll in his grave. Let’s honor him by making his dream come true.”
In an unexpected announcement, the Vice President revealed that November 28, the day Senator Johnson passed, will be observed as a county-wide holiday starting next year.
“There will be one cow in each of the 36 chambers of Nimba. That day, we will mourn and celebrate the legacy of our fallen hero,” Koung declared.
Rep. Kogar’s delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude. Kogar expressed thanks to Vice President Koung, Senator Twayan, the elders of Nimba, and the massive crowd that turned out.
He appreciate the elders of Nimba, thanking then for their wisdom and for standing in the gap during these trying times. “To my colleagues, thank you for your belief in me, and to the people of Nimba, your support continues to inspire me,” Kogar said.
He urged citizens to turn out in large numbers for the by-election, pledging to serve with humility and a deep commitment to unity and development. “Let us go to the polls and speak with one voice—not just for me, but for the future of Nimba County. Together, we will keep the peace, uphold our tradition, and make progress for every district.”
The rally closed with more traditional songs, ritual blessings, and celebratory dancing, as Kogar was lifted shoulder-high by supporters. With less than a month to the by-election, Nimba’s political atmosphere is charged—and the momentum behind Kogar is now unmistakably strong.
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