Liberian First Lady and ANC Party Condemn Propaganda Against Opposition Leader Cummings

Cummings Camp Mounts Strong Defense Against “Propaganda” as Political Tensions Rise

The wife of Alternative National Congress (ANC) political leader Alexander B. Cummings has launched a forceful defense against what she describes as a coordinated campaign of misinformation targeting her husband, marking a significant shift in how the former Coca-Cola executive’s camp responds to critics ahead of Liberia’s next electoral cycle.

Teresa Cummings issued a pointed rebuttal over the weekend to allegations made by Unity Party supporter Saye Koloyee Mendolo, who had made several claims about the Cummings family’s properties, wealth, and personal matters.

“I will not sit quietly by as so-called Hon. Saye Koloyee Mendolo creates lies and a false narrative about Alexander B. Cummings,” Mrs. Cummings stated. “For the second day in a row, I have read outright lies and complete negative statements… it is cruel, misleading and evil.”

At the center of the dispute are claims regarding properties allegedly owned by Cummings in both Liberia and the United States. Mrs. Cummings categorically denied Mendolo’s assertion about an Atlanta residence, stating it does not belong to her husband. She also clarified misconceptions about a building in Sinkor, Monrovia.

“The ‘Cummings Tower’ is a misnomer,” she explained. “The building is Saba Suites, located on 15th Street and Payne Avenue. It has six floors and no rooftop pool. You are welcome to come and see for yourself.”

Another contentious point involved claims that Cummings received a US$100 million retirement package from The Coca-Cola Company. Mrs. Cummings challenged Mendolo to substantiate this allegation, dismissing it as “nonsense” without evidence.

The rebuttal also addressed political and personal allegations, including claims that former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf encouraged Cummings to enter politics or hosted him upon his return to Liberia. “He made his own decision to return home and never stayed with Madam Sirleaf in Fish Market,” Mrs. Cummings stated, calling the allegation a “complete fabrication.”

She also forcefully countered longstanding rumors about her husband’s sexuality, suggesting these persistent allegations demonstrate critics have no substantive issues to raise against him.

The ANC party has aligned itself with Mrs. Cummings’ defense strategy. Communications Director Sensee Kiadii accused political opponents of hypocrisy, particularly regarding criticism that Cummings hasn’t used his personal wealth for national infrastructure projects.

“Former President George Weah and President Joseph Boakai were given state power and did nothing with it,” Kiadii argued. “So stop the hypocrisy about Cummings having money and not building factories or roads.”

Kiadii highlighted that Cummings has directed personal resources toward initiatives in education, health, and agriculture through the Cummings Africa Foundation, adding, “The lies will not survive this time around. Every step of this fake propaganda will be exposed.”

This aggressive response marks a strategic shift for Cummings, who entered Liberian politics in 2016 after retiring from his executive role at Coca-Cola. Since then, he has faced numerous allegations regarding his wealth, personal life, and political motivations. Cummings has previously acknowledged that failing to effectively counter misinformation was a weakness in past campaigns—a shortcoming his team now appears determined to address.

Following the strong pushback, Mendolo appeared to retreat from the confrontation, stating he would not engage further out of respect for Mrs. Cummings. “I respect the counter from Madam Theresa Cummings and will go no further. I see her as a mother,” he said.

Political analysts note that this exchange, occurring years before the 2029 presidential and legislative elections, signals an already intensifying political environment in Liberia. The incident highlights how management of public narratives and response to misinformation could significantly influence voter perception and political fortunes in the coming electoral cycle.

In a country still working to strengthen its democratic institutions after years of civil conflict, the quality of political discourse and the truthfulness of claims made by political actors remain crucial factors in Liberia’s ongoing democratic development.