“we are coming for the man sponsoring these commercial bandits” Raji on SUP

Monrovia, Liberia: The  President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Mustapha Raji, has responded to recent allegations by the Student Unification Party (SUP) questioning his Liberian nationality. Raji denounced the claims as politically motivated and baseless, calling them a “commercial smear campaign” orchestrated ahead of the 2026 LFA elections.

The SUP, once one of Liberia’s most vocal student movements, has come under fire from Raji for what he described as a “cowardly” attack meant to distract from its failure to address critical issues on the University of Liberia campus. 

“When did SUP become a sub-branch of the Liberia Immigration Service?” Raji asked, pointing to deteriorating conditions at the University, including non-functional bathrooms and lack of campus transportation. “SUP is careless about the rot within their own environment that is affecting students,” he added.

 Raji, who has served in Liberian sports administration for over two decades, questioned the timing and motivation behind SUP’s challenge to his nationality. He labeled the group’s accusations as part of early campaigning for the upcoming LFA elections, suggesting they were being used as political tools by the ruling establishment.

“Fellow Liberians, the SUP you knew yesterday has been infiltrated,” Raji claimed. “It now operates as a student auxiliary of Boakai’s Unity Party. Their veterans are serving at the will and pleasure of Mr. Boakai.”

Legal Defense of Citizenship

In defense of his Liberian citizenship, Raji cited several constitutional and legal provisions. He emphasized that his mother is a Liberian of Vai ethnicity from Grand Cape Mount County, and that he was born in Liberia—thus satisfying constitutional requirements for citizenship by birth.

Raji referenced:

1. Article 28 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, which grants citizenship to anyone born to at least one Liberian parent.

• Article 27(b), which limits citizenship to individuals of Negro descent, a criterion he fulfills as the son of a Nigerian father of Negro descent.

• Section 20.1 of the Aliens and Nationality Law, which reaffirms birthright citizenship under the same conditions.

“Raji is a son of Cape Mount. The nationality law is clear. This is how we end the nationality debate,” he declared.

Attack on LFA Headquarters

Raji also addressed a recent incident involving alleged SUP militants who reportedly attacked the LFA headquarters. He claimed the attack was not only criminal but part of a broader political strategy aimed at destabilizing the football institution. Four individuals—Stephen Brown, Momo Buttel, Christian Bryant, and Obadiah Jallah—are currently facing charges including burglary, attempted murder, and aggravated assault.

“Boakai’s Unity Party-backed SUP is in court, answering to these crimes,” Raji stated. “This generation is a disgrace to itself.”

The LFA president Raji warned of further revelations about those he believes are behind the attacks on his character and the LFA.

“In a matter of days, we are coming for the man sponsoring these commercial bandits. Hell will open on him. Brace yourself!” he warned.

As tensions rise ahead of the 2026 LFA elections, observers are closely watching how the intersection of student politics and national sports leadership will continue to unfold.