Africa-Press – Gambia. At a National People’s Party (NPP) rally in Sukuta, Information Minister and Citizens’ Alliance (CA) leader Dr. Ismaila Ceesay delivered a forceful speech asserting that President Adama Barrow has no credible challengers in the lead-up to the 2026 presidential elections.
Addressing a packed crowd of NPP supporters, Dr. Ceesay, whose party is allied with the ruling NPP, systematically dismissed the political viability of key opposition figures and parties.
He argued that United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe, a longtime political figure, “is advanced in age and should retire from politics.” He went on to address the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), pointing out that its leader, Halifa Sallah, has publicly declared he will not contest the next election, thus ruling them out of contention.
Dr. Ceesay also took aim at Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mama Kandeh, asserting that he “cannot manage his own party.” He went on to make pointed remarks about former Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) lead counsel and 2021 independent presidential candidate Essa Faal, alleging that Faal “does not tell the truth” and questioning his maturity, rhetorically asking the audience, “Can we entrust the country to that person?”
The CA leader further criticized Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, claiming he is “surrounded by individuals of largely mediocre caliber.” Dr. Ceesay referenced the mayor’s associates, including Mc Cham Jr., and Ebrima Dibba, to underscore his point.
“Who is the opposition?” Dr. Ceesay asked rhetorically, asserting that no political contender poses a serious challenge to President Barrow’s leadership.
His remarks mark an early and combative entry into what is expected to be a heated campaign season ahead of the 2026 polls. Opposition parties have yet to issue formal responses to Dr. Ceesay’s comments.
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