Kabafita Layout UDP Women’s Kafo Denies Allegations of Cross-Carpeting to NPP
Kabafita Women at the press conference
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Over the weekend, Momodou Sabally, the Deputy Campaign Manager for the National People’s Party (NPP), claimed that a group of women from the United Democratic Party (UDP) Kafo in Brikama’s Kabafita layout had crossed over to the NPP.
In response, a group of women from the layout, known as the Yunusa Njie Kafo, held a press conference on Monday to clarify that the women involved in the alleged cross-carpeting were not members of their UDP Kafo. The group distanced themselves from the claim and reiterated their loyalty to the UDP.
Anta Secka, the Chairwoman of the Yunusa Njie Kafo, expressed surprise at the allegations made by Sabally, saying the public needed to be made aware of the truth. She clarified that in the Kabafita layout, there is no UDP women’s Kafo other than their own, which has over 50 members.
“We were shocked to hear that a UDP women’s Kafo from Kabafita had crossed over to the NPP. Since the news broke, I’ve barely been able to sleep,” Secka remarked.
She continued, emphasizing that the women shown in the media as having defected from the UDP were not recognized by her group. “We do not recognize anyone in that group. Those women in the media include individuals from the NPP, former APRC supporters, and possibly others from different political backgrounds. They have never been part of our UDP Kafo,” Secka added.
Mai Jobarteh, another member of the UDP Kafo in Kabafita, challenged Momodou Sabally to present the women he claimed had crossed to the NPP. “We want Sabally to show us the women he is talking about. Let the public see who these women are,” she said.
Jobarteh firmly asserted that no material incentives, including cooking pots or plates, could sway their allegiance to the UDP. “We are steadfast in our loyalty. We want to assure Baba Ousainou Darboe that no one will take us away from the UDP. We remain loyal to the party,” she stated.
Sariba Kanyi, another member, also refuted the claims, stating that the woman named in the media as having crossed to the NPP had never been a member of the UDP. Kanyi explained that she had personally spoken to the woman, who admitted to making the statement for financial reasons. “I spoke to her, and she confessed that she made the claim because she was after money,” Kanyi revealed.
Alhagie S. Darboe, the National Assembly Member for Brikama North, also addressed the issue, insisting that the NPP’s political strategy would not succeed in Kabafita. “From today, the battle line is drawn. Their political strategies will not work here. Kabafita layout is a no-go area for them,” Darboe asserted, adding that the women of Brikama North should not be underestimated.
He further urged the NPP to respect women and refrain from spreading misinformation as the country heads into the election season. “If Sabally doubts this, let him ask the people of the APRC, former Brikama Area Council Chairman Sherrifo Sonko, or even his own boss, President Adama Barrow,” Darboe said.