By Festus Poquie and E.J. Nathaniel Daygbor
The erstwhile ruling Coalition for Democratic Change exodus continues as one of the country’s most popular politicians plots exit.
Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph will be leaving the party to prepare for a run in 2029 presidential race, according to people familiar with the plan.
This comes as a significant blow to the CDC, which has been facing a series of high-profile defections in recent times.
The Party’s ongoing efforts to recapture state power could further experience setback as the Senator Joseph and other influential members would likely be on the ballot box challenging Weah and other candidates.
Senator Joseph’s presidential ambition can best foster outside of the CDC environment owing to the potential leadership and institutional crisis facing the party on account of leader George Weah’s perceived unpredictability regarding the Standard Bearer role, one source working on the Saah Joseph for President project told Oracle. The Senator is tightlipped on the matter following the Oracle News Daily’s inquiry.
Joseph, a well-known and popular figure in Liberia’s political landscape recorded a strong performance in the 2023 senatorial elections, where he garnered over 300,000 vote. This has only bolstered his ambitions for the country’s highest office and his exploratory team is drawing on this factor, according to insiders who talked to the Oracle with agreement not to be named
Throughout his political career, Joseph has been recognized for his strong work ethic and commitment to his constituents.
He has sponsored several notable bills, including one to amend the Alien and Nationality law to grant women equal rights in passing on citizenship to their children born outside of Liberia.
Prior to his political career, Joseph had a remarkable journey as a former refugee during the Liberian civil war.
He fled to Sierra Leone, where he established the Refugee Women and Orphans Assistance Program, providing support to widows and orphans. He later continued his humanitarian work in Senegal, building schools and providing relief to affected communities in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 2013, the opposition lawmaker became a national hero when he led fights against the deadly Ebola Virus disease that ravaged households and decimated economies in the West African Region including Liberia.
Joseph’s potential departure from the CDC to pursue the presidency could send shockwaves through Liberia’s political landscape.
