By: Naomi Tappia
On Friday, April 28, 2023, former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, affectionately known as JNB by his supporters, announced Senator Jeremiah Kpah Koung as his running mate for the upcoming presidential election in Liberia, expected to take place in October 2023. Boakai, who is the standard bearer of the largest opposition political party, the Unity Party, faced a difficult decision in selecting his vice standard bearer from a list of three influential political figures, including Senator Youngblee Karnga Lawrence, political commentator Henry Costa, and Jeremiah Kpah Koung.
In his address to the nation, Boakai expressed his unwavering confidence in Senator Koung, citing his values of integrity, honesty, gratitude, and humanity as essential qualities needed to lead the country. Boakai also praised Koung’s record of diligent service to not only his county but Liberia as a whole, which led to his successful two terms as a legislator and subsequently a Senator.
Senator Koung, in response to his nomination, expressed his gratitude to Boakai for selecting him as his running mate, especially considering the difficult decision he had to make. Koung acknowledged the importance of the role and pledged to work tirelessly alongside Boakai to lead Liberia towards a brighter future.
Affectionately known as “Rescue One,” Boakai has pledged his unwavering support to the cause of emancipating Liberia from the clutches of gangs that are looting the country’s resources. Senator Koung, in his address, urged other opposition political figures to cooperate and work towards making President Weah a one-term president, which he believes will put the country on the right trajectory.
Opinion polls conducted have yielded mixed reactions, with some suggesting a Senator Lawrence and Boakai ticket due to female solidarity. However, many polled expressed concern regarding her numerical strength and the internal wrangling that
