In 2010, former warlord, Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson founded the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP).
[7] Johnson contested the presidency with the party, alongside running mate Audrian R. Smith-Forbes, in the 2017 election.
[8] Johnson supported Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) candidate George Weah in the subsequent run-off election.
[17] After disclosing his breaking away from the CDC, Johnson announced he was seeking collaboration with other opposition parties.
By March 2024, Johnson had been disappointed with Boakai's appointments, again claiming too little representation from Nimba County and the MDR.
Boakai's calling for a war crime court, an idea opposed by Johnson, has been another friction point between the two.
[24][25] By November 2024, Koung had made clear he had become a full member of the UP before his selection as their running mate, distancing himself from the MDR.