MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Matthew Nyanplu, leader of the Proposed Party for the People, has sharply criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent realignment with Henry Costa, a vocal critic of Boakai and the Unity Party. Nyanplu took to social media on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to express his disapproval of the alliance, questioning Boakai’s judgment and accusing him of resorting to desperate measures to salvage his leadership.
Nyanplu did not mince words in his condemnation of Boakai’s decision to align with Costa, who had previously been highly critical of the Unity Party. He referred to Boakai as an “old man” who had failed at governing and expressed disbelief that the president would seek support from someone who had publicly declared that Boakai was a “dead man walking.” Costa had even stated that Boakai would not survive the 2023 runoff elections and suggested that the 80-year-old leader should wait until 2029 for another opportunity.
The post also echoed Nyanplu’s sentiment that the current regime, when faced with a dwindling power base, resorts to desperate alliances in an attempt to remain relevant. Nyanplu expressed confidence that Costa’s support would not reverse Boakai’s failing leadership, emphasizing that his party was determined to keep the Unity Party’s influence to a single term.
This response came after Costa’s heartfelt Facebook post about his reconciliation meeting with Boakai on Thursday, January 30, 2025. In the post, Costa shared personal reflections from the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours. Costa described the reunion as a deeply emotional and significant moment, highlighting Boakai’s humor and wisdom despite their past differences. He expressed gratitude for the efforts that allowed them to reconnect and spoke of the importance of forgiveness and unity in healing relationships.
Costa’s post quickly gained traction on social media, generating over 5,900 comments and 647 shares. The post received positive reactions from various public figures, including Senator Darius Dillon, who called the reunion “very welcoming,” and Ma Kou Meapeh Gono, the Superintendent of Nimba County, who praised the moment as a “breakthrough.” Madam Kula V. Fofana, President Boakai’s press secretary, remarked that a true father always forgives, while Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence referred to forgiveness as a precious and valuable act.
However, Costa’s decision to publicly reconcile with Boakai has generated mixed reactions within the Liberian political sphere. Political commentator and economist Sam Jackson expressed disappointment in Costa for seemingly compromising his political integrity. Jackson accused Costa of seeking personal gain by aligning with a struggling administration, adding that Costa’s decision to support Boakai now was a political miscalculation that could tarnish his reputation.
Jackson further questioned Costa’s decision-making process, claiming that Costa had previously received advice to avoid supporting Boakai, but chose to ignore it. He criticized Costa for not following his own potential and for aligning himself with a president who, according to Jackson, is struggling with a lack of popular support due to poor political decisions and missteps.
