By Fatou Sillah
Mama Kandeh, the leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), said on Saturday that any candidate seeking to challenge President Adama Barrow in the 2026 presidential election would be wasting resources, arguing that the outcome of the vote is effectively settled.
Addressing supporters in Sareh Birom, Mr. Kandeh reaffirmed that he would not contest the presidency and is instead fully supporting President Barrow’s bid for re-election. He said his decision was made in what he believes is the country’s best interest rather than for personal or political gain.
“In this coming election, people that want to waste their resources are the ones that are going to contest. Because it is game over,” Mr. Kandeh said. “I am telling President Barrow that he should not be scared because he has my backing and the other alliance partners.”
Mr. Kandeh defended his endorsement of the president, saying no individual or political party has ownership over his political choices. He said, like every Gambian citizen, he has the democratic right to support the candidate he believes is best suited to lead the country.
He rejected suggestions that his decision was motivated by expectations of a government appointment or financial reward, insisting that he neither sought nor negotiated for any position.
“The Gambia belongs to all of us,” he said, adding that the country’s progress or setbacks affect every citizen regardless of political affiliation.
Mr. Kandeh also said the GDC consulted its membership before deciding to join the National People’s Party-led alliance. He thanked party supporters for their continued loyalty and said criticism of the decision had not altered his position.
His remarks come as political parties continue to position themselves ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, with alliance-building expected to play a significant role in the campaign.
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