by Rocheford T.Gardiner
As the Liberian political landscape stabilizes following the October 2023 general and presidential elections, the electorate is beginning to witness the inevitable formation and reformation of political alliances.
In keeping with a long-standing tradition in Liberian politics, the ideology of “recirculation”—where politicians prioritize proximity to power over partisan loyalty—became immediately apparent when President Joseph N. Boakai assumed office.
In the wake of his inauguration, many “shape-shifting” politicians were quick to realign themselves with the ruling Unity Party, abruptly abandoning the now-opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
However, in a rare reversal of this trend, businessman Patrick Morais has announced his recommitment to the CDC by opting to renew his membership.
Sources close to the CDC headquarters in Monrovia confirmed a high-level meeting between Mr. Morais and former President George Weah. According to reports, the meeting—held in the early hours of January 1, 2026, served as both an introductory briefing on Morais’ ongoing developmental projects in Maryland County (Harper District #1) and a formal announcement of his return to the party.
The meeting was reportedly facilitated by Mr. Civicus Siokin Barsi-Giah, a close liaison to the former President and CDC Standard Bearer.
During the exchange, former President Weah welcomed Morais back into the fold but offered a stern reminder regarding the importance of loyalty. Weah pointed to the recent departure of incumbent Harper District #1 Representative P. Mike Jurry as a cautionary tale. Jurry, who secured a decisive victory in 2017 while running on the CDC ticket, recently defected to the ruling party—a move the former President described as “treacherous.”
By renewing his membership with the CDC at a time when many are fleeing toward the incumbent administration, Morais signals a shift in the local political climate of Maryland County as the party looks to consolidate its base ahead of future contests.