Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister of Agriculture and deputy national president of the ruling National People’s Party, Demba Sabally, accused the main opposition United Democratic Party of lacking the confidence to contest the upcoming Bantanjang Ward by-election, arguing that its failure to field a candidate betrays fear and internal weakness.
Speaking to supporters following the nomination process, Mr. Sabally said the UDP’s presence at the nomination venue—despite not presenting a candidate—was evidence of frustration rather than strength.
“The UDP is desperate,” he said. “Their party leader, Ousainou Darboe, came to a nomination in a place where he is afraid to put up a candidate. If they truly have the muscle they claim, why didn’t they present one?”
Mr. Sabally questioned the UDP’s repeated assertion that it remains the country’s largest opposition party, saying its decision to stay out of the race contradicted that image. He argued that a party confident in its grassroots support would not shy away from direct competition.
He also dismissed calls by opposition figures for unity against the NPP, suggesting that such appeals were motivated less by concern for the people of Foni than by a desire to block the ruling party’s advance.
“They say they want opposition unity so the NPP will not win, not because they care about Foni,” he said. “The former councillor is from the ‘No to Alliance’ group, but today the NPP will take the seat from them.”
Mr. Sabally credited the NPP’s rise to what he described as hard work and focused leadership under President Adama Barrow, contrasting it with what he called efforts by opponents to mislead voters.
“President Barrow’s government is serious about development,” he said. “Others only want to confuse the people of Foni and deprive them of progress.”
He urged residents of Bantanjang Ward and Foni Bondali to back the NPP candidate, Abdoulie Badjie, framing the by-election as a choice between continuity and uncertainty.
“The people here know the peace President Barrow has brought and the development they have seen,” Mr. Sabally said. “They will not trade that for anything, and they will strengthen it by voting for our candidate.”
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