By Seedy Jobe
The Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the APRC, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has dismissed ongoing efforts by opposition parties to form a coalition ahead of the 2026 presidential election, insisting that no alliance would be capable of defeating President Adama Barrow and the NPP-led coalition.
His comments came shortly after several opposition parties, political movements, and civil society actors met at the Baobab Hotel in Bijilo to advance discussions on a possible coalition aimed at challenging the incumbent administration in the upcoming polls.
Addressing supporters in Kaiaf Madina in the Lower River Region during the APRC’s nationwide consultation tour, Hon. Jatta maintained that even a broad opposition alliance would not succeed at the ballot box.
“They are also working on a possible alliance, and the law allows it. If they want, let them all form an alliance. But what is clear is that even if there are 100 parties—GMC, NRP, APRC, NPP, and GPDP—if we all combine, Adama Barrow will win,” he said.
Jatta also described some opposition formations as “briefcase parties,” arguing that they lack genuine grassroots support and connection to the everyday struggles of citizens. He claimed that young people and women were increasingly recognizing this disconnect.
“Our problem is this: the youths and women have now seen briefcase parties that do not feel the people’s hardship. They are the ones causing problems in this country,” he stated.
The APRC leader also criticized individuals linked to the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), accusing some participants of exploiting the process for political visibility. He argued that the process had been politicized rather than focused solely on truth-seeking and reconciliation.
“During the entire TRRC period, they were looking for fame. They called our elders to the TRRC, shaming them, saying they were seeking the truth, forcing people to say things they didn’t want to say, all for fame,” he said, referring to the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission.
He further alleged that some individuals involved in the process later pursued political ambitions, claiming they had “picked up their bags” in search of State House, while also questioning their governance record at the local level.
“We gave some of them KMC, and they couldn’t even manage KMC, yet they said we should give them the country,” he added, a subtle reference to the nascent campaign of Kanifing Municipal Council mayor, Talib Bensouda.
Concluding his remarks, Jatta warned voters against accepting material inducements during elections, urging them to prioritize long-term national interest over short-term gains.
“They will come with motorcycles and their money. If they give you that today and you eat it, it will be finished in one month, and you will face five years of hardship,” he cautioned.
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