By Seedy Jobe
The Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party, dismissing criticisms from the “No to Alliance” faction and urging members to close ranks ahead of the 2026 elections.
Addressing supporters in Foni Bullock in the West Coast Region during the party’s nationwide consultation tour, Hon. Jatta spoke on growing speculation surrounding potential political alliances in Foni.
“We have heard that the people of Foni are considering forming an alliance, and if they do, it will not be with any party other than the NPP,” he said. “However, I have also heard that some individuals are seeking to align with the UDP to mislead voters. They have never supported the APRC.”
Hon. Jatta rejected recent criticisms from the “No to Alliance” group, which opposes the APRC’s partnership with President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP). He argued that the faction is attempting to distort public perception.
“Those who troubled us in 2017 are now claiming that we are not on the side of truth, while presenting themselves as the defenders of truth because they advocate for Jammeh’s return,” he stated.
Reiterating the legitimacy of his faction, Hon. Jatta emphasized that his leadership represents the officially recognized APRC.
“In the last election, we contested as APRC, and the Independent Electoral Commission recognized us as such. Our ballot box was labeled APRC, and our color is green,” he said. “Those claiming to be APRC under ‘No to Alliance’ contested as independents, yet they continue to assert ownership of the party.”
The APRC leader also addressed allegations of corruption made against him and other party executives, describing them as unfounded.
“It was alleged that I, Bakary Jaiteh, Ousman Rambo, and members of my committee received D41 million in bribes,” he said. “We categorically rejected these claims. Our lawyers formally requested that those making the allegations substantiate them or face legal action. They have failed to do so, and we intend to pursue the matter in court.”
Reaffirming his commitment, Hon. Jatta declared his loyalty in emphatic terms: “If anyone is to betray you, it will not be me, Fabakary. If we are to die, we will die green.”
He called on party members to set aside internal divisions and work toward rebuilding unity within the APRC.
“Our party is one, yet we are undermining ourselves through internal conflict. No one else is destroying us but ourselves. Let us come together, restore order within the party, and strengthen Foni,” he urged.
Defending the APRC’s alliance with the NPP, Hon. Jatta said the decision was made after careful consideration of President Barrow’s position toward the party and former President Yahya Jammeh.
“Before forming this alliance, President Barrow demonstrated that he does not harbor hostility toward the APRC or Yahya Jammeh,” he said. “In the 2021 election, he acknowledged the role APRC played in his victory. That recognition alone is significant.”
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