CoPG Calls on Voters to Weigh Records, Not Rhetoric, as 2026 Elections Near

Celestine Kujabi, the secretary general of the coalition of progressive Gambians

By Fatou Sillah

As The Gambia moves closer to the 2026 general elections, the Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has urged voters to make informed, responsible choices and to reject what it described as empty political promises.

Speaking to journalists at a press briefing on Monday, Celestine Kujabi, the secretary general of the coalition, said the coming election year should prompt reflection on both past and present governance, warning that rhetoric without substance has too often shaped political decision-making.

“This is an election year, and we hope Gambians have learned from the past and the present,” Mr. Kujabi said. “We urge citizens to be responsible in making their choices. We put emphasis on the fact that words are empty; Gambians need to avoid leaning on empty promises without reason.”

Mr. Kujabi reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, stressing that citizens have a duty to hold public officials to account. “As we dawn into 2026, another important year in our political calendar, we are obliged to remind, renew, and reassure Gambians of our commitment to holding public servants and officials accountable,” he said. 

The secretary general also highlighted irregular migration as a growing national concern, describing it as a dangerous trend that has cost many young Gambians their lives and futures. He called for sustainable economic opportunities and effective policy responses to address the underlying causes driving youth to embark on perilous migration routes.

“The recent plight of illegal migration embarked upon by our youth population is a great loss to our country,” Mr. Kujabi said, extending condolences to families who have lost relatives in recent years.

He said the coalition would continue to advocate for constitutional reforms, good governance, and greater citizen participation in national affairs, and he appealed to Gambians to support those efforts.

“We invite all Gambians to join this journey toward a just, equitable, and prosperous nation,” he said.