Barrow Says He Fears No Rival in December Presidential Election

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has declared that he is not intimidated by any of his opponents in the December 5 presidential election, expressing confidence in his ability to secure another victory.

Speaking at a rally in Buffer Zone shortly after submitting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), President Barrow told supporters that having defeated former President Yahya Jammeh in 2016, he had no reason to fear any candidate in the upcoming election.

Reflecting on his historic victory over Mr. Jammeh, President Barrow described the former leader as the most formidable and dangerous political opponent in The Gambia’s history, citing his control over state institutions and security forces.

He said Mr. Jammeh had wielded enormous financial and political influence, commanding the police, military, and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), while allegedly relying on marabouts, witchcraft, and supernatural forces to maintain his grip on power.

Despite those advantages, Mr. Barrow said, he had not been intimidated by the former president.

He questioned why he should now fear any of the candidates seeking to challenge him, drawing a comparison between his former opponent and those contesting the upcoming election.

“I was not afraid of a lion in the forest; how can I be afraid of a cat in the town?” he said.

President Barrow further dismissed the prospect of facing his current political rivals as a source of concern, likening the challenge to the simple comforts of drinking cold water and relaxing in bed.

His remarks reflected his confidence as he prepares to seek another term in office, nearly a decade after his surprise electoral victory in 2016 ended Mr. Jammeh’s 22-year rule.