Barrow Predicts Crushing Defeat for Darboe, Dismisses Central Bank Remark

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has dismissed remarks by United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe suggesting that even access to the Central Bank’s entire financial resources would not secure the president’s re-election, predicting that his rival would suffer an even greater defeat in December’s presidential election.

Speaking at a meeting in Taibatu, Upper River Region, during his Meet-the-People Tour, Mr. Barrow invoked his 2016 electoral victory over former President Yahya Jammeh, arguing that political power, state resources, and other advantages do not guarantee electoral success.

The president said Mr. Jammeh had controlled the country’s security apparatus and wielded considerable state power, yet was defeated at the polls.

“In 2016, the person I defeated was holding the key to the Central Bank, was in control of the police, and had marabouts, witches, and jinns, yet I defeated him,” Mr. Barrow said.

He reinforced his argument with a proverb: “A knife that slaughters an elephant cannot be unable to slaughter a chicken.”

Mr. Barrow also pointed to his victory over Mr. Darboe in the 2021 presidential election, saying he had defeated the UDP leader without taking money from the Central Bank.

He predicted that the margin of defeat would be even greater in the December election.

The president cited the enthusiastic reception he said he had received during his tour of the North Bank and Upper River Regions as evidence of his growing political support.

He suggested that Mr. Darboe would struggle to match the level of public enthusiasm displayed at his political gatherings.

Mr. Barrow also expressed confidence in his support in Wuli, saying residents were politically aware and would not be misled by his opponents.

His remarks reflect the increasingly confrontational exchanges between the president and the UDP leader as both prepare for the December presidential contest.