By Seedy Jobe
The National Youth President of the ruling National People’s Party, Momodou Sabally, said Sunday that the party was poised to win the December 5 elections, telling supporters that President Adama Barrow’s administration remained the only political force capable of delivering development across The Gambia.
Addressing supporters at an NPP political rally in Kotu Quarry on July 19, Mr. Sabally pointed to the size of the gathering as evidence of the party’s electoral strength.
“Looking at those who came here today, you will know that on December 5th there is only one winner, and that is the NPP under His Excellency President Adama Barrow,” Mr. Sabally said. “They know it.”
Mr. Sabally contrasted the NPP government’s governing approach with that of the opposition, arguing that while rival parties remain focused on politics, the Barrow administration has shifted its attention to what he described as “Development Bantaba,” a government outreach initiative in which ministers and senior officials engage directly with communities to identify and address local concerns.
He cited the attendance of senior government officials, including the Minister of Youth and Sports and Minister Nani Juwara, at the Kotu event as evidence of the administration’s commitment to community engagement. He also pointed to youth football activities organized during the gathering as an example of government support for local communities.
Turning to municipal politics, Mr. Sabally criticized the leadership of the Kanifing Municipal Council and urged residents to reconsider their electoral choices. He said voters had made the correct decision by backing President Barrow in the presidential election but erred by electing Talib Bensouda as mayor in 2021.
Questioning the mayor’s record, Mr. Sabally accused the KMC administration of failing to improve essential public services, including roads, water, and electricity, and said conditions at the Serrekunda Market had not improved. He also criticized the council’s policy of charging fees for the use of public toilets.
Drawing on his previous role as the United Democratic Party’s National Campaign Manager before joining the NPP, Mr. Sabally said he felt compelled to apologize to residents of Bakau for supporting Mr. Bensouda’s reelection campaign. He argued that expectations for infrastructure improvements, including along Kairaba Avenue, had not been fulfilled.
“Someone who cannot clean the gutters in KMC will not clean Kotu Quarry,” Mr. Sabally said. “He will not be able to bring water and electricity here.”
He urged residents to elect both an NPP mayoral candidate and an NPP National Assembly member in the forthcoming elections, saying political alignment with President Barrow’s government would accelerate development in the municipality.
Mr. Sabally also appealed to young Gambians to play a greater role in national development and community security. Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s famous inaugural address — “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” — he encouraged young people to move beyond criticizing crime and instead become active participants in protecting their communities.
He praised members of the Kotu Quarry neighborhood watch, describing their volunteer efforts as an example of civic responsibility and patriotism.
“On behalf of the NPP and in my capacity as the National Youth President of the NPP, we commend you for making sure that your community is safe,” Mr. Sabally said.
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