Nimba County – For nearly 20 years, one name ruled the political landscape of Nimba County: Prince Jormie Johnson. His influence was so absolute that great political decisions within the county did not occur without his blessing. Whether it’s Kingmaker, Deal-Broker, or spoilers, Johnson’s grip against the Nimba Politics has transformed the election into a more loyalty practice than competition.
However, on April 22nd, for the first time in nearly 20 years, Nimba heads to the election without a voluntary political godfather.
Johnson’s death on November 28, 2024 left a vacuum that a single politician could not yet fulfill. His departure from the scene opened up the county’s closely managed political structure, sparking a scramble for domination, an open contest for domination of the political future of Nimba.
At the heart of this reorganization is Vice President Jeremiah Kuwoon, a political product of Johnson’s leadership. When considered a Johnson protégé, Koung tests the water to see if he can step out of the shadows and step into the role of Godfather.
In a recent statement, Vice President Koung emphasized the importance of the next election. “This election is important. Honestly, I wasn’t planning on campaigning for anyone.
The support of Kohn by Samuel Kogal, a sit-in MP and candidate for Johnson’s former party, Democracy and Reconstruction Movement (MDR), shows a calculated move to consolidate Nimbha’s control in 2029 and prepare the president’s potential.
Cogar’s victory isn’t just about legislative seats. It is the iconic passage of the Torch, and the way Koung inherits the late Johnson’s vast political network.
However, the effort is not without risk. Kogal’s political record, including party changes and involvement in controversial legislative operations, raises questions about whether he represents continuity or opportunism.
And if he wins, departure from his home would cause another costly by-election, which would likely annoy the tired electors from repeated trips to the polls.
On the other side of this high stakes contest is Edith Gonglow Way, a veteran civil servant and the most well-known female candidate in the race. She has long been seeking a Senate seat, but has been consistently thwarted by Johnson, either through direct opposition or strategic alliances, aimed at blocking her path.
Now, with her major political opponents gone, her campaign is drawing energy from the growth segment of Nimba voters, especially women, who see this election as her moment.
In support of Gonglow Way, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleef said Thursday: Distinguishing – Showing commitment, dedication and integrity.
Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, former vice president who leads the National Patriotic Party (NPP), reflects his support. County, but a move towards inclusive and visionary leadership. ”
Gongloe-Weh has her own baggage. Allegations of financial dismantling in an era where Nimbha’s oversight is still on the table, and poor performances in the major districts have once again threatened to halt her momentum. Still, without Johnson, she was able to give her an unusual opening in a race that might have otherwise been closed.
The rest of the field, although unlikely to win, reflects the broader fragmentation of Nimba’s political foundation in the post-Johnson era. From Garrison Yelue and R. Matenkai Tinban to Gublinwon, George Parkinson Gomp and Tober Tee Wong Wong Wangarro, the diversity of the voices and agenda is impressive.
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These candidates lack the scope of Kogal and Gongrohe, but are indicators of voter change, increasingly disillusioned with political dynasties and open to the narrative of alternative leadership.
Ultimately, the April 22nd by-election is more than a voting. That’s a calculation. Nimbha is in the crisis of political identity, addressing issues of continuity vs change, loyalty and independence, traditional power and technological reform. If the late Johnson is not present, the seats are no longer representative. It’s about heritage.
Who will inherit the leadership mantle at Nimbha is no longer predetermined. That decision, for the first time in a generation, is completely in the hands of voters.
And that uncertainty is the deepest legacy of Johnson’s absence, a revival of true political competition for Nimba County.
