Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambian government’s chief spokesperson, Ebrima G. Sankareh, said President Adama Barrow remains firmly committed to contesting the December 2026 presidential election and is confident of securing another term in office.
Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Mr. Sankareh dismissed speculation that President Barrow might step aside at the last minute in favor of another candidate, describing such claims as unfounded.
“He is cruising to victory; he is assured, and he knows he will win,” he said.
Addressing persistent political rumors, Mr. Sankareh rejected suggestions that a so-called third candidate could emerge late in the electoral process to replace the president. He said President Barrow had personally raised the issue with him, underscoring his intention to remain in the race.
“The argument that Barrow may not actually contest last minute, there will be a third candidate introduced, and then Barrow will just exit is not true,” Mr. Sankareh said, adding that such views reflect public speculation rather than political reality.
According to Mr. Sankareh, only extraordinary circumstances would prevent the president from running in 2026. He said President Barrow has made clear that he remains the party’s candidate unless incapacitated by serious illness or death.
“Barring all other things except maybe in the case of infirmity of body, mind, or soul or death, I am the candidate. So only death or sickness of body, mind, or soul at this stage would prevent him from contesting the December 2026 presidency,” he said.
Beyond electoral politics, Mr. Sankareh pointed to what he described as significant development gains under President Barrow’s administration since taking office in January 2017. He cited major infrastructure projects, particularly in road construction, as evidence of progress across the country.
“If you look at the developmental trajectory of Adam Barrow from January 2017 to date, everywhere across The Gambia people are experiencing a facelift. He has brought roads to Niumi, he has brought roads to North Bank and to Kombo, and he has slaughtered the beast of Jabang “the traffic lights.” “Now we are going to have a bypass,” he said.
President Barrow, who came to power following the 2016 election, is expected to formally launch his re-election campaign ahead of the 2026 polls, which are likely to test public sentiment on his record in governance, economic management, and democratic reform.
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