Monrovia – Former Liberian Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah has dismissed reports claiming ex-President George Manneh Weah has abandoned plans to contest the 2029 presidential election. Kemayah insisted that the former leader remains determined to seek a return to power.
His remarks follow speculation that Weah might yield his presidential ambitions to Alexander Cummings, political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), as opposition parties weigh potential alliances ahead of the next election cycle.
Kemayah described the claims as “false, unrealistic, and politically motivated,” stressing that Weah’s candidacy is non-negotiable.
“For anyone to think that His Excellency President Dr. George Weah… will surrender that desire to contest the presidency to anyone on planet earth—that is inconceivable,” Kemayah said.
He added that Weah had personally reaffirmed his commitment to contest during a recent conversation, noting that the former president believes Liberians will “reject lies and embrace the truth.”
Opposition Dynamics
Kemayah acknowledged Cummings as a respected political figure but maintained that Weah’s focus is firmly on 2029. He declared:
“His Excellency President Dr. George Manneh Weah shall be a candidate come 2029. Not only shall he be a candidate, but he will go on to win.”
He further emphasized that Weah intends to rally opposition forces to prevent President Joseph Nyuma Boakai from securing a second term.
Weah’s Shifting Position
Weah’s political future has been the subject of debate since his narrow defeat to Boakai in 2023. Initially, Weah suggested he would not seek another term, citing age and retirement considerations. However, he later reversed course, signaling his intention to return to the ballot.
At a Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) gathering in 2025, Weah accused the Unity Party government of eroding democratic institutions and vowed to lead a political comeback.
Cummings Signals Interest
Meanwhile, Alexander Cummings has intensified grassroots outreach, fueling speculation about his own 2029 bid. During recent engagements in Montserrado County, he likened Liberia’s leadership needs to replacing a worn-out battery, declaring himself the “new battery” the country requires.
ANC spokesperson Sensee Kiadii confirmed the party remains open to collaboration but has not commented on any arrangement involving Weah.
Outlook
With both Weah and Cummings signaling intent to contest, Liberia’s opposition landscape is taking shape ahead of 2029. Kemayah’s remarks underscore the CDC’s position: George Weah will be on the ballot.
