Weah Warns Against Electoral Tyranny at NBA Conference

George Weah, who served as Liberia’s President from 2018 to 2024, delivered a Keynote Address at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He cautioned African leaders against using electoral victories as a justification for dictatorial governance, stating, “A tyrant with a certificate of return, is still a tyrant.” Weah highlighted that threats to democracy extend beyond military coups and include elected leaders who weaken judicial and legislative institutions.

He urged lawyers and professionals to defend constitutional democracy and stressed the necessity of an independent judiciary. Weah cited his acceptance of defeat in the November 2023 Presidential election as an example of prioritizing democratic principles over personal ambition.

He congratulated his successor before the official results were announced, emphasizing that the will of the people must prevail. Weah called on African lawyers to act as a defense against executive overreach and to protect democracy consistently, not just during elections.