Ebrima Dibba Says Barrow Will Be Humiliated If He Contests 2026 Presidential Election

By Fatou Sillah

Ebrima Dibba, the national president of UNITE Party, has urged President Adama Barrow not to seek another term in the 2026 presidential election, warning that he risks a humiliating defeat if he does.

In an audio recording, Mr. Dibba accused the president of devoting too much attention and resources to politics while failing to adequately address some of the challenges facing Gambians.

He also criticized what he described as heavy spending on political activities, including the construction of political bureaus and the purchase of vehicles, arguing that those resources could be better directed toward the needs of the public.

Mr. Dibba urged Mr. Barrow, who has been in office since 2017, to step aside and allow others an opportunity to lead, saying many Gambians do not want him to seek a third term.

“You have done your best; give a chance to others,” he said. “That is how governance works. Gambians will never allow you to serve them more than 10 years.”

Mr. Dibba acknowledged that the Barrow administration had made progress in some areas but said significant problems remained unresolved.

He said Gambians had been patient with the government but were increasingly pushing back because, in his view, the president was trying to remain in office despite growing public dissatisfaction.

Mr. Dibba also warned that another presidential bid could overshadow what he described as the achievements of the Barrow administration.

He predicted that Mr. Barrow would be “humiliated” at the polls if he contested the 2026 election, arguing that the president had been unable to resolve many of the problems facing Gambians.