By Fatou Sillah
Henry Gomez, a presidential adviser and leader of the Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP), said on Sunday that opposition leader Ousainou Darboe would be unable to effectively govern if elected president because of his age, arguing that the United Democratic Party (UDP) leader would serve only as a ceremonial head of state.
Mr. Gomez made the remarks while addressing supporters on behalf of the National People’s Party (NPP)-led alliance during the congress of the Gambia Moral Congress.
“If you give this country to Ousainou Darboe, who is over 90 years old, he will turn the State House into a hospital and turn his office into a pharmacy because all he will do is treatment,” Mr. Gomez said. “His children and wives will take over the government and bring hardships to us. He will just be a ceremonial president, and we are saying no to that. We will not give him this country.”
Mr. Gomez used his address to defend President Adama Barrow’s record, saying the administration had delivered peace, democratic governance, and development during its nearly decade-long tenure. He urged supporters of the governing alliance to remain united ahead of the 2026 presidential election and cautioned them against being persuaded by opposition parties.
He argued that the opposition had failed to present a compelling alternative vision for the country and said President Barrow’s government had demonstrated tangible progress through development initiatives.
Mr. Gomez also criticized several opposition figures. He questioned the leadership credentials of Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mama Kandeh, described APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Faal as quick-tempered, and argued that Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda had not achieved enough development in the municipality to justify a presidential bid.
“The opposition has nothing to show the Gambian people,” he said. “President Barrow has given you peace and democracy.”
Responding to allegations of corruption against President Barrow, Mr. Gomez dismissed the claims and said those making such accusations should be prepared to substantiate them in court.
“He who alleges corruption should be able to prove it,” he said.
Comments are closed.