Woodbridge, Virginia – Mardia Gibson Yarmeto, a staunch supporter of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and a prominent member of the CDC-USA Reformers, has expressed sharp criticism over the recent election of Yahaya Talata Sheriff as Chairman of CDC-USA. The election, which took place amid what she describes as “deep constitutional violations and procedural irregularities,” has sparked heated debates within the CDC’s diaspora chapter.
Yarmeto’s statements come in the wake of two reports in which Sheriff is masquerading as elected to lead the CDC-USA calling for unity and resolution to internal tensions and challenges.
However, Yarmeto, speaking on behalf of the CDC-USA Reformers, a faction within the party that has consistently raised concerns about internal governance issues, refuted the legitimacy of Sheriff’s victory. “This election is nothing short of a travesty. It is clear that it did not follow the proper constitutional processes that govern our party’s elections,” she stated emphatically. “The Reformers have raised concerns repeatedly, yet our voices have been stifled in the name of so-called unity.”
In reference to the controversial Iowa convention that saw Sheriff elected, Yarmeto pointed to what she termed the “Iowa Fiasco,” citing her dissatisfaction with the procedural lapses that marred the election. The CDC-USA Reformers condemned the process as being plagued by constitutional violations and the exclusion of key stakeholders.
“The election in Iowa was not only unconstitutional but also ignored the cries of disenfranchised members who were left out of the decision-making process,” Yarmeto declared. “How can we talk about unity when the very foundation of our organization is cracking under the weight of mismanagement and negligence?”
Yarmeto stressed the need for a more inclusive approach to addressing internal conflicts within the CDC-USA. “We are not calling for division,” she explained. “What we want is for the CDC-USA to return to its roots—honoring transparency, fairness, and respect for every member’s voice. This cannot happen when decisions are being made in smoke-filled rooms, far from the scrutiny of the people who built this movement.”
The CDC-USA Reformers, according to Yarmeto, remain determined to ensure that justice is served and that the integrity of the party’s democratic processes is upheld. “We are CDCians through and through,” she said, “but we cannot stand idly by and watch the party we love be derailed by a few individuals who prioritize power over the will of the people.”
As the fallout from Sheriff’s election continues to unfold, Yarmeto vowed that the Reformers will not be silenced. “We will fight for reform within CDC-USA, even if it means standing against those who currently hold power. This is not about personal ambition; this is about the survival of our party as a democratic institution,” she concluded.
The dispute within CDC-USA continues to raise questions about the future direction of the organization, with members like Yarmeto demanding accountability and an end to what they perceive as internal corruption. For now, the Reformers remain firm in their call for a review of the election process and a return to the democratic principles on which the CDC was founded.
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
Now residing in Woodbridge, Virginia, he keeps connecting with readers across continents with his perceptive journalism and sharing his viewpoint. He is well-respected in the sector because of his unwavering commitment to honesty and morality, which sets him apart in the field.
Orlind's work is more than simply his job; it's a dedication to giving voice to the voiceless, illuminating unsung tales, and advancing the worldwide conversation on important concerns. His goal as a journalist is to use the media's power to change the world, not just to disseminate information. He is a key player in modern journalism because of the inspiration, education, and engagement that his work consistently provides.