Africa-Press – Gambia. A top regional figure of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Chief Momodou Chatty Cham of Upper Nuimi, who declared Alkalos’ (Village heads’) support for President Barrow’s re-election.
He quoted the chief as saying that over 150 Alkalos from Upper and Lower Nuimi and Jokadu districts are ready to campaign for President Adama Barrow in the upcoming December 2026 presidential election.
Karamo Njie, the UDP’s Public Relations Officer for the North Bank Region (NBR), described Chief Cham’s statement as “disappointing and unconstitutional,” saying traditional leaders are legally bound to remain neutral in politics.
Njie’s comments came just hours after Chief Cham publicly announced that Alkalos, women, and youths from the region would rally behind President Barrow as a show of gratitude for the construction of the Hakalang Road.
“This is the same political game that was played by Chief Momodou Chatty Cham and others during the days of former President Yahya Jammeh,” Njie said. “Chiefs and Alkalos are prohibited by law from aligning with any political party. Their neutrality is meant to ensure free and fair elections, free from interference by state or local authorities.”
He accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of “desperation,” claiming the involvement of chiefs and Alkalos in political mobilization could open the door to illegal voter registration.
“I would like to remind Seefoo Momodou Chatty Cham that it is forbidden for Seefoos and Alkalos to take part in campaign activities. They are appointed to serve everyone, not a single political party,” Njie stressed. “I call on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to caution and address this issue before it undermines the credibility of our electoral process.”
Njie further urged all traditional leaders to ignore Chief Cham’s remarks, saying such calls only “taint the credibility of The Gambia’s elections.”
“Encouraging Alkalos to campaign for Barrow is basically asking them to issue attestations for ineligible voters,” he warned. “That kind of behavior shows the level of desperation within the NPP.”
The UDP spokesman called on Gambians to remain alert ahead of the supplementary voter registration exercise and to closely monitor the conduct of traditional authorities.
“The 2026 election will not be like 2021. Gambians are ready to scrutinize the IEC, Seefoos, and Alkalos to prevent any attempt to manipulate the process,” Njie said.
He concluded by recalling Chief Cham’s controversial role in 2016, saying, “This is the same Chief who campaigned for Jammeh to stay in power. It’s no surprise that he is now trying to do the same for Barrow.”
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