MONROVIA – Political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Alexander Benedict Cummings, has forcefully rejected long-standing allegations about his sexuality, describing them as false, politically motivated, and part of a broader campaign to damage his reputation during Liberia’s 2023 elections.
Appearing Wednesday on Okay FM’s popular morning show, Cummings addressed the issue directly—something he said was necessary given how widely the claim circulated during the election period.
“The whole accusation that I’m gay—I support gay lifestyle—is complete nonsense,” Cummings declared emphatically. “I will use a different word, but it’s a public program… it’s complete nonsense. And it’s all political.”
His comments represent one of his most explicit public denials of the allegation, which has lingered in Liberia’s political discourse for years, particularly during heated campaign seasons.
‘They Made Up That Mess’
Cummings argued that the claim was not based on any factual evidence but was instead manufactured by political opponents seeking to undermine his credibility.
“When people don’t have anything to say bad about you… they make up stuff,” he said. “And they made up that mess. And that was the shocking piece—to try to ruin my reputation.”
The ANC leader acknowledged that the allegation was one of several personal and political attacks he faced during the 2023 presidential race, where he ran as part of the now-defunct Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).
He grouped the claim alongside other narratives he described as misleading or exaggerated, including assertions that he was “elitist” or disconnected from ordinary Liberians.
Campaign Missteps and Communication Gaps
Beyond rejecting the allegation itself, Cummings also admitted that his campaign did not effectively respond to the narrative when it first emerged—a lapse he now sees as a critical mistake.
“For example, we let them define me—to say the man is gay—and we didn’t really react,” he said. “We should have been more effective in reacting… we should have defined me and not let the opposition define me.”
He described his campaign’s communication strategy as insufficient, noting that misinformation filled the vacuum created by weak messaging and limited engagement.
According to him, the failure to counter false narratives contributed to broader misunderstandings about his personality, values, and leadership style.
A Pattern of Political Smears?
Cummings framed the allegation within what he sees as a troubling trend in Liberian politics—where personal attacks often replace substantive debate.
“I’m not perfect by any stretch… but when people don’t have substance, they make up things,” he said, adding that such tactics undermine meaningful democratic discourse.
Observers note that Liberia’s political environment has frequently been characterized by personality-driven attacks, especially during competitive election cycles.
Looking Ahead: A More Aggressive Response
The ANC political leader signaled a shift in approach going forward, pledging to be more proactive in addressing misinformation and engaging the public.
“We’re going to be more robust in the media,” he said, emphasizing plans to strengthen his party’s communication structure and outreach efforts.
He also reiterated his determination to remain active in politics despite past controversies.
“It’s not going to stop me. I’m a very determined person,” Cummings said.
Broader Implications
Cummings’ remarks reopen a sensitive but significant conversation about the role of misinformation in Liberia’s political space—particularly how unverified claims can shape public perception.
While the allegation itself remains unsubstantiated, its persistence underscores the challenges candidates face in managing narratives in an increasingly digital and rumor-driven environment.
For Cummings, however, the message was clear: the claim is false, politically driven, and no longer something he intends to ignore.
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