Barrow Mocks Darboe’s Physical Strength, Warns Supporters Against Underestimating Opposition

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow took a swipe at the physical strength of United Democratic Party leader Ousainu Darboe on Friday, even as he warned supporters of his National People’s Party against underestimating the opposition ahead of the Dec. 5 presidential election.

Mr. Barrow made the remarks at a meeting in Ngayen Sanjal, Sabach Sanjal, in the North Bank Region, during his 2026 Meet the People Tour. The 19-day nationwide tour began on Oct. 1 and includes public meetings, project visits, and inauguration ceremonies across the country.

Referring to Mr. Darboe, one of his main political rivals, Mr. Barrow said he knew the UDP leader was not physically strong and suggested that even a slight shake would affect his entire body. Despite that characterization, the president said he would not take Mr. Darboe or other political opponents lightly.

He cautioned NPP supporters against complacency and urged them to remain vigilant and continue mobilizing until election day.

“Underestimating our opponents can cause difficulties, but standing firm would guarantee victory regardless of how prepared the opposition is,” Mr. Barrow said.

The comments come amid increasingly sharp exchanges between Mr. Barrow and Mr. Darboe as the election approaches. At a rally in Farafenni last week, Mr. Barrow said he intended to politically “retire” the veteran opposition leader in the December election.

Turning to his government’s record, Mr. Barrow said the large turnout at Ngayen Sanjal gave him confidence that residents of the North Bank Region recognized what he described as development delivered by his administration.

He said his government had made significant development gains since taking office in 2017 but described those achievements as only the beginning. He said a new term from 2026 to 2031 would bring further development across the country.

Mr. Barrow portrayed himself as the driving force behind the government’s development agenda, describing others involved in that effort as his “apprentices.”

He also framed the December election as a choice between what he described as continued progress and a return to the past, arguing that voters seeking continuity should support him and the NPP.