By Makutu Manneh
The National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Hon. Almameh Gibba, has called on opposition parties to close ranks and present a united front against the government of President Adama Barrow ahead of upcoming by-elections.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has scheduled by-elections in Bantanjang and Kaiaf wards for January 10, 2026, following the deaths of the two sitting councillors earlier this year.
Addressing a gathering in Foni Sibanor, Hon. Gibba urged opposition parties to set aside internal rivalries and focus on what he described as a common challenge.
“This is not the time for the opposition to be fighting among themselves,” he told supporters. “Our problem today is President Barrow and his associates. We must take a stand.”
Hon. Gibba also made reference to National People’s Party (NPP) figure Demba Sabally, accusing him of neglecting the community following the death of their former councillor and only engaging residents during the by-election period. He further alleged that Mr. Sabally had previously suggested that communities not supporting the NPP would be excluded from fertilizer distribution.
“We cannot accept politics that divides our people or denies them services based on party affiliation,” he said.
Calling for unity within Foni, Hon. Gibba urged residents to put aside political differences and work together. He revealed that the opposition’s candidate for the Bantanjang Ward councillorship would collaborate closely with an opposition ward chairman.
He also praised the leadership of Chairman Yankuba Darboe, particularly for what he described as transparency and effectiveness in the disbursement of ward development funds.
In closing, Hon. Gibba cautioned voters in Bantanjang Ward against what he termed “empty promises” of development, urging them to focus instead on leadership, accountability, and genuine service to the community.