By Fatou Sillah
Dodou Jah, a former deputy spokesperson for the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction, said his decision to leave the opposition party and join the governing National People’s Party was the result of sustained family pressure rather than personal or financial motives.
In an interview on the Dialectic Space Podcast, Mr. Jah described the move as a difficult and prolonged process that unfolded over several years.
“It is a very tough decision, and it took about three years or more to make this decision. It was a very tough one,” he said.
Mr. Jah said relatives both in The Gambia and abroad had urged him to align with the ruling party, arguing that it would afford him greater opportunity to contribute to national development.
“They said it is more advantageous if I join the ruling party,” he said. “I will serve the national interest. We want you to join the NPP.”
According to Mr. Jah, the pressure from his family intensified over time, eventually leaving him feeling he had little choice but to comply.
“They said this time you either do what we want or things are going to be different,” he said. “There is no more option; you must join the NPP.”
Before making his decision, Mr. Jah said he consulted political figures from both parties, including his former party leader, Fabakary Tombong Jatta.
He emphasized that his defection was not motivated by personal gain but by a desire to play a more effective role in addressing the country’s challenges.
“Being on the side of government is not only defending government but at times offering solutions to some of the challenges that we face,” he said.
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