MONROVIA – The Unity Party (UP) has suspended twenty-eight members of its National Executive Committee (NEC) for what it describes as persistent failure to perform their party duties, including nonattendance at official meetings and neglect of party activities.
In a press release issued Sunday, September 14, 2025, and signed by Lansana Pawenneh Fofana, National Assistant Secretary General for Press, Publicity & Outreach, the party stated: “The Unity Party (UP) informs its partisans, supporters, and the general public that, in keeping with the Constitution of the Party and in defense of its values of accountability and discipline, the National Executive Committee in a Special Sitting of September 13, 2025 reached decision to suspend several of its NEC’s members for delinquency in performing their party duties.”
The release added that the suspensions come as a result of the “persistent failure of the affected NEC members to attend official meetings of the National Executive Committee and their continuous neglect in participating in Party activities, despite repeated reminders.”
The Unity Party noted that such actions represent “a neglect and complacency of the trust reposed in them and a violation of the obligations of every NEC member to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the Party.”
Citing Articles 19 and 16, subsection 4 of the party’s constitution, the UP said each suspended member will serve a one-month suspension and is required to pay a fine of US$1,000 into the party’s account during the suspension period. Proof of payment must be presented at the next sitting, the party stressed, warning that failure to comply will lead to expulsion from the NEC.
The release also emphasized the importance of party dues, urging delinquent due-paying members to settle outstanding obligations within one month. “The sustenance of the party depends largely on party dues and contributions from partisans. Failure on the part of any executive committee member to pay his or her dues during the above specified period will be met with serious consequences consistent with the Unity Party Constitution,” the statement warned.
Among those suspended are several prominent political figures, including Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. of Nimba County, former Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, former Unity Party Chairman Wilmot J.M. Paye, and Atty. Kula Bonah Fofana.
Meanwhile, the party sought to reassure its supporters of its commitment to discipline and collective responsibility. “The Unity Party reassures its partisans and the public of its commitment to upholding discipline, unity, and collective responsibility in building a stronger institution that serves the interest of the Liberian people,” the release concluded.
Following the announcement, 2029 presidential hopeful Matthew Nyanplu criticized the suspension in a Facebook post, saying, “Without the people whom the UP claims to suspend, they will cease to be a party. That release is a distraction from their dismal performance in leadership. We are focused on replacing UP. No distractions!”
