Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister of Lands and leader of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), Hamat Bah, has cautioned members of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and its allies against underestimating the growing influence of Talib Bensouda’s newly formed Unite movement, describing it as a major threat ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking at an NPP rally in Kombo Sukuta on Saturday night, Bah acknowledged that Bensouda’s emerging political platform poses a “formidable challenge” that could disrupt the ruling coalition’s electoral ambitions.
“We will not sit back and allow these small boys to disgrace us in this country,” Bah declared, emphasizing that the NPP and its allied parties are vigilant and ready to defend their political ground. “If they come with a force of ten, we will respond with twenty,” he warned.
The minister ridiculed Bensouda’s Unite Movement for Change, mockingly referring to it as the “Movement for Change for Worse,” and prayed, “May Allah forbid us from it.”
Despite his criticism, Bah urged NPP supporters to uphold civility and avoid personal attacks. “Stop the insults and abuse. That is not Adama Barrow,” he told the crowd, urging them instead to focus on promoting President Barrow’s achievements. “The president has given us enough to campaign on. No one aligned with Adama Barrow should insult or use abusive language against anyone.”
He further cautioned party members against disparaging young political figures. “All these young men and women who are coming up have every right to participate in the political process,” he said.
Bah’s remarks reflect mounting unease within the ruling party over the rising popularity of Bensouda, the mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, whose political ambitions are increasingly seen as a credible threat to the NPP’s dominance.
The comments mark a noticeable escalation in political rhetoric as The Gambia moves closer to the 2026 presidential elections.
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