Published: April 27, 2026
Monrovia -- The Liberian Alternative People's Party (LAPP) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as a "rapid declining state of governance in the Republic of Liberia," citing concerns over police conduct, legislative actions, border tensions and the independence of key national institutions.
In a statement released by its National Executive Committee, the opposition party said it is "appalled" by recent developments and firmly rejects "any overreach and abuse of office by persons entrusted to serve in the public interest." The party's position comes amid a series of national incidents it argues signal a troubling trajectory for Liberia's democracy.
Police Conduct Under Scrutiny
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A central concern raised by LAPP is the conduct of the Liberia National Police (LNP) during the April 14, 2026 protest staged by students of the University of Liberia under the banner "Jobs and Justice."
The party described the police response as excessive and unjustified, stating that students were "brutalized... while exercising their rights under Article 1 of the Liberian Constitution." It further characterized the incident as "unprovoked attacks on peaceful students exercising their franchise," adding that such actions "reflect a grave decline in policing just under three (3) years of the Unity Party Government."
LAPP said it "condemns in the strongest terms the actions of the LNP" and is calling for "an independent public inquiry into the conduct of assigned service men" deployed during the protest. The party warned that failure to address the incident transparently could further erode public trust in the country's security apparatus.
Border Tensions Raise National Security Concerns
On national security, the party raised alarm over reported encroachment by Guinean forces in Lofa County, describing the situation as "a troubling" development that has already "ignited local resistance in Sorlumba."
While acknowledging ongoing diplomatic engagements, LAPP criticized the government for what it called a lack of transparency.
The party accused authorities of failing to "have adequately inform the public on the state of these diplomatic efforts and the status of the presence of Guinean troops on our soil," urging the government to "come clean and provide adequate information to the public."
House's Action Against Kolubah Criticized
LAPP also took aim at the House of Representatives over its decision to expel Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah, describing the move as an "outright abuse of power."
While noting that it "seriously frowns on the approach of intellectualism of the lawmaker," the party argued that such concerns "cannot be a substitute for an attack on our Constitution and the abuse of his legal rights to due process."
The party further alleged that the House acted "in gross disrespect to our Constitution and the authority of the court," despite "strong evidence of the receipt of two writs from the Supreme Court of Liberia."
LAPP is now calling on lawmakers to "accord Hon. Kolubah all due process as prescribed by Article 20(a) of the Constitution."
Opposition to NEC Nomination Persists
The statement also addressed the nomination of Jonathan Weedor as chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), a move LAPP continues to oppose.
The party distanced itself from a recent endorsement by the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC) Secretariat, describing that action as "an overreach of its function."
It maintained that "there was no pressure on the IPCC Secretariat to issue a statement of acceptance or rejection," particularly when "political parties have independently stated their positions publicly," and warned that "the consultative role of the IPCC cannot be subjugated to any hidden political orchestration."
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Warning of Democratic Backsliding
In its concluding remarks, LAPP argued that the developments reflect a broader pattern of democratic decline, warning that the "current State of Governance is a troubling reflection of growing dictatorship."
The party cited what it views as increasing constitutional violations and weakening institutional checks and balances.
It further disclosed that its National Executive Committee will begin "immediate consultation with opposition political Parties" aimed at resisting "the abuse of our constitution" and safeguarding Liberia's democratic space.
The statement was issued under the authority of the National Executive Committee of the Liberian Alternative People's Party (LAPP).
