Out of the dozens of opposition politicians vying for the upcoming elections, it was only the Alternative National Congress’ (ANC) political leader, Alexander B. Cummings, and Liberty Party’s Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine who attended President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s State of the Nation address yesterday.
It is reported that Mr. Cummings was personally invited to the ceremony by President Sirleaf.
“It has been whispered in political circles that Mr. Cummings is President Sirleaf’s favorite among the 2017 presidential contenders, lending to the belief that there is disunity in the Unity Party (UP),” an insider has said.
Some of the favorites, who are considered to be confidants of the President, are Nathaniel Barnes of the Coalition for Democratic Change, Musa Bility of Liberty Party, UP’s Amara Konneh and Togbah Nah Tipoteh of the Movement of Justice in Africa (MOJA).
Mr. Cummings previously served as Vice President of Coca-Cola Africa. He was responsible for hiring and creating thousands of jobs for Africans during his decades-long business career.
Shortly after President Sirleaf ended her address yesterday at the Legislature, Mr. Cummings remarked: “I am inspired by the President’s message, which centers on the future of our country. I truly believe that if we make the right changes in our government and private sector, and right choices come October, we can create a better Liberia for all, a Liberia we deserve,” said Mr. Cummings.
Mr. Cumming’s party, the ANC, is meanwhile holding a national rally this Friday, January 27, at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia. Many of the local communities whose leaderships have pledged support to Mr. Cummings, including the Doe Community, New Kru Town and District 13, will be attending the rally.
Mr. Cummings announced his decision to contest the presidency at the October polls, promising to run on a platform of inclusion and change. He says he believes every Liberian deserves a chance to succeed and is dedicated to ensuring that no Liberian is left behind.
