Kebba Madi Bojang Threatens Demonstrations Over IEC’s Rejection of His Presidential Nomination

By Seedy Jobe

Kebba Madi Bojang, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has threatened to stage demonstrations against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) if his lawyers establish that the rejection of his presidential nomination was deliberate.

Speaking to journalists at the IEC headquarters on Thursday, hours after the commission rejected his candidacy, Mr. Bojang questioned the electoral body’s independence and accused its members of acting in the interests of the government.

The IEC announced on Thursday that the NDP had submitted additional signatures from registered voters to address an earlier shortfall in the number required for nomination. However, the commission rejected Mr. Bojang’s candidacy over discrepancies in his date of birth.

According to the IEC, records from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) indicated that Mr. Bojang was born on March 15, 1995, while the identification document he submitted listed his date of birth as March 15, 1975.

Mr. Bojang disputed the commission’s decision and accused its members of lacking independence, alleging that they had been handpicked by the government to undermine political opponents.

He warned other opposition figures against assuming they would be spared similar treatment.

The NDP leader said his party had instructed its lawyer to formally write to the IEC seeking clarification on the grounds for his disqualification. He indicated that further action would depend on the commission’s response and the legal advice he receives.

Addressing his supporters, Mr. Bojang urged them to remain calm and await instructions from the party leadership, assuring them that the NDP would not abandon its efforts to challenge the decision.

He also reaffirmed his determination to see President Adama Barrow removed from office, insisting that the rejection of his nomination would not end his political struggle.

Mr. Bojang said he would continue his campaign against the incumbent administration until Mr. Barrow leaves State House.

Asked whether he would consider endorsing another presidential candidate following his disqualification, Mr. Bojang said his immediate priority was to challenge the IEC’s decision and defend what he described as his constitutional and political rights.

He maintained that the party would first pursue legal clarification before considering its next course of action.

Mr. Bojang said that if his lawyer establishes that the commission deliberately rejected his nomination, he would be prepared to organize demonstrations in response.

“If it is worth me demonstrating, let the IEC here be prepared, and anybody who wants to stand in front of it, be prepared,” he warned.

He insisted that any evidence of deliberate wrongdoing by the commission would be met with public demonstrations, signaling his willingness to escalate the dispute beyond legal proceedings.

Mr. Bojang maintained that the NDP would continue fighting for its political rights and would not be deterred by the commission’s decision.