Gibba Says No To Alliance’s Support Extends Beyond Foni, Rules Out Joining Barrow’s NPP

By Fatou Sillah

Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala and flagbearer of the No To Alliance Movement, has dismissed suggestions that his movement’s political support is confined to Foni, insisting that it has established a nationwide following ahead of the December 5 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Mr. Gibba said the movement’s recent political rally drew supporters from across The Gambia, challenging perceptions that its electoral appeal remains concentrated in the traditional stronghold of former President Yahya Jammeh.

He said representatives from several regions attended the gathering and were given opportunities to address supporters, which he described as evidence of the movement’s expanding national presence.

“The support that we have is a countrywide support. It’s not a Foni thing,” Mr. Gibba said.

The lawmaker also claimed that the movement was attracting new members, including individuals previously affiliated with other political parties.

He attributed the growing interest partly to what he described as diminishing fears surrounding political participation. According to Mr. Gibba, some supporters had previously avoided the movement’s activities because of concerns about possible confrontations with security forces, including the use of tear gas, and the political stigma associated with the former ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).

Mr. Gibba also addressed divisions within the APRC, explaining that the No To Alliance Movement had separated from the faction that chose to remain within the party following disagreements over its political direction.

He said the rival factions subsequently established separate executive structures, formalizing their political differences.

Turning to potential electoral alliances, Mr. Gibba ruled out joining President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) under the prevailing circumstances, arguing that such a move would undermine the movement’s credibility and contradict its political position.

“We cannot join. If we join, we lose credibility,” he said.

Despite rejecting an alliance with the ruling party, Mr. Gibba said the No To Alliance Movement remained open to discussions with other political parties and coalitions seeking to forge partnerships ahead of the presidential election.

He explained that the movement wanted to demonstrate its political strength through its recent rally before pursuing further negotiations with potential allies.

Any future political arrangement, he emphasized, would have to reflect the interests and aspirations of Gambians rather than merely serve the ambitions of individual political leaders.

His remarks come as political parties intensify efforts to consolidate support and explore possible alliances ahead of the December 5 vote, with opposition movements seeking to broaden their electoral appeal beyond their traditional bases.