Landing B Sanneh, Chairman Mansakonko Area Council
By Seedy Jobe
The Chairman of the Mansakonko Area Council and a senior official of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Landing B. Sanneh, has accused the Governor of the Lower River Region (LRR) of intimidating chiefs, Alkalos, and other influential figures during the recent Kaiaf Ward by-election.
Speaking in an interview with Kerr Fatou on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Chairman Sanneh alleged that government officials, including the regional governor, exerted undue pressure on residents and community leaders in Kaiaf in an attempt to influence the outcome of the election.
According to him, the governor and his representatives allegedly visited Alkalos and prominent individuals to intimidate them into supporting the National People’s Party (NPP).“We have clear information about the governor visiting Alkalos and even prominent people, with his agents influencing or intimidating them where necessary, including telling them that if they do not vote for the NPP candidate, they risk having problems with the government,” Sanneh claimed.
Chairman Sanneh further recounted an incident in which he alleged that threats were openly communicated to community members during a public meeting.
“I overheard one of the speakers at a meeting in Kaiaf saying, ‘You are a chief community, and you will never know until you lose your chieftaincy,” he alleged, adding that the remarks were made publicly and were part of broader efforts directed at intimidating the electorate.
When asked about the UDP’s strategy for making inroads into what is widely regarded as an NPP stronghold ahead of the 2026 presidential election, Chairman Sanneh said the party would approach the contest with caution and respect for all political opponents.
“We are not going to underestimate the NPP at all—not only the NPP, but any political party,” he said. “This is politics, and every day counts; every player counts. We will respect our opponents and do the work as it should be done, so that we strengthen and build on our gains and expand our support,” he added.
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