Barrow Warns NPP Supporters Against Abusive Politics, Citing Business Community’s Backing

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow on Sunday urged members of his National People’s Party to refrain from insults and abusive political rhetoric, arguing that a more civil approach to campaigning would help reassure voters and preserve the peace and stability he said had encouraged investment in the country.

Speaking at State House during the handover of a fleet of campaign vehicles to NPP members, Mr. Barrow said a number of prominent business owners were quietly supporting his party because they believed their investments were secure under his administration.

He suggested that some businesspeople were reluctant to publicly declare their political support because they feared criticism or intimidation from elements of the opposition.

“They are afraid of certain people—those on the left,” Mr. Barrow said. “If you are in the opposition and doing certain behaviors, insulting and abusing people, do you think people wouldn’t be scared of you?”

Mr. Barrow did not identify the opposition figures or groups he was referring to.

He urged NPP supporters not to adopt similar tactics, calling instead for what he described as civilized politics centered on the government’s record and its plans for the country.

He said some supporters were working behind the scenes to help the NPP ahead of the presidential election, adding that business owners who backed the party viewed peace and stability as essential to protecting their investments.

The president also instructed party members to use the newly provided campaign vehicles to expand their outreach across the country. He encouraged them to visit communities where opposition parties had campaigned and make the government’s case directly to voters.

“Wherever opposition parties go to campaign, you should follow up to present the government’s record and convince voters,” he said.

Mr. Barrow pointed to his administration’s development record since he took office in 2017, saying the government had implemented projects across the country that gave the NPP a strong case to make as it seeks another term.

The president did not detail those projects during the remarks, but said the party should make its record a central part of its campaign.

With the election approaching, Mr. Barrow expressed confidence that the NPP would secure a decisive victory. He also called for a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

“We pray for a peaceful election and for us to have a transparent victory so that those who claimed to announce the election results will run to hiding when ballots are being counted,” he said.

His remarks appeared to refer to opposition figures who have previously spoken about announcing or celebrating election results before the Independent Electoral Commission formally declares a winner.

Mr. Barrow is seeking to retain the presidency as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the December election.