By Fatou Sillah
Essa Mbye Faal, leader of the APP Sobeya, has criticized President Adama Barrow for allegedly instructing Alkalos, ministers, chiefs, and other officials to campaign for his re-election ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Faal described the move as both political and illegal.
“He has turned Alkalos into political mobilizers for the president. He said that in the next election, Alkalos and chiefs will all be mobilizing for him,” Faal said.
The APP leader argued that using traditional rulers for partisan politics compromises their independence and violates the law.
“That is illegal because Alkalos are traditional rulers who represent the interests of all; he cannot be transformed into political operatives,” he said.
“Their position is a public service role. They are not there for any political party, and what the president said goes against the law.”
Faal emphasized that traditional rulers have the right to vote for their preferred candidate, but argued that campaigning for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) is unlawful.
“They have the right to vote for their favorite candidate, but campaigning on behalf of the president is wrong. Forcing them to do so is not right,” he added.
The opposition leader also called on Gambians to reconsider their support for President Barrow in the upcoming elections.
“We have passed the stage where people can be fooled. At the end of the day, promises are broken, and the people will vote you out. That is what will happen in 2026,” Faal said.