MONROVIA, Liberia — Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando has challenged Alternative National Congress (ANC) leader Alexander B. Cummings to increase his electoral support, using the opposition politician’s performance in the 2023 presidential election to take aim at his presidential ambitions.
By Otis Mel Nax Jr
“Focus on increasing your 1% and forget the presidency,” Sando said in a pointed message directed at Cummings, reigniting political exchanges between government officials and opposition figures.
Cummings, who contested Liberia’s 2023 presidential election, secured approximately 1.61 percent of the valid votes cast, according to the reported election results.
Sando’s remarks frame Cummings’ previous electoral performance as a challenge for the ANC leader to broaden his political support before pursuing another presidential bid.
The comments come amid continuing disagreements between the ruling Unity Party-led administration and opposition figures over governance, public accountability, economic conditions, and the government’s delivery on its promises.
Cummings has remained critical of the administration, raising concerns about issues affecting Liberians. Government officials, meanwhile, have responded to opposition criticism and defended the administration’s policies and development priorities.
Sando’s statement brings the ANC leader’s electoral record into the ongoing political debate, placing renewed attention on the party’s ability to expand its support base ahead of the 2029 general and presidential elections.
While the deputy minister’s remarks directly question Cummings’ presidential ambitions, the decision to contest another election rests with Cummings and his party. Whether the ANC can increase its share of the vote in the next election will ultimately be determined by the electorate.
The exchange adds to the political contest between the government and opposition as Liberia moves closer to the next election cycle.
