By Christian Appleton
Monrovia, Liberia — The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has affirmed its commitment to the rule of law amid an escalating legal dispute over the ownership and occupation of its national headquarters in Congo Town. The party has occupied the property for more than two decades.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo confirmed that the party had accepted a “Right of First Refusal” to purchase the property in 2024. However, the CDC claims its efforts to conduct due diligence were met with “hostility” by the owner, leading to what it describes as an “illegal eviction attempt” through the Civil Law Court.
The CDC stated that the matter was taken to the Supreme Court of Liberia, which ruled in May 2025 in the party’s favor, reaffirming its status as a legal tenant of the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard, represented by Mr. Ebrima Varney Dempster.
Despite this ruling, the party alleges that the estate did not honor the agreement and instead issued a one-week eviction notice on June 2, 2025. In response, the CDC filed a lawsuit for Specific Performance in the Civil Law Court to enforce the sale of the property. The party claims the case was dismissed by Presiding Judge George W. Smith without a proper hearing.
The CDC has since accused the judiciary of “abuse of discretion” and “undermining democratic stability” after a motion to dismiss and a writ of certiorari were reportedly denied. The party has prepared Bills of Exceptions and is now advancing appeals in both cases to the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Of particular concern to the CDC is an order from Judge Smith directing the Liberian National Police, rather than the Court Sheriff, to intervene in the civil eviction. The party calls this move “unprecedented” and “a troubling deviation from standard legal procedure.”
While the CDC stated it “remains steadfast in its respect for the Rule of Law,” it also condemned “arbitrary judicial actions that jeopardize fairness.” The party also announced it is preparing for a potential relocation and making arrangements for an “orderly transition to a new national headquarters.”
The CDC urged its members to remain calm and patient as it seeks a lawful resolution to the dispute.
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