By Makutu Manneh
Assan Martin, a lawyer and rights activist, has suggested that recent remarks by Adama Barrow indicate growing concern over the prospect of a united opposition ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking on Kerr Fatou’s Politic Kacha program, Martin argued that the pace and seriousness of ongoing opposition coalition negotiations appear to be unsettling the president.
“Because we are taking our time to build the coalition is what is making President Barrow desperate. This is why he is not sleeping and talking about the opposition every now and then.”
He further contended that President Barrow, who rose to power through a coalition in 2016, could similarly be unseated by a united front. According to Martin, the president would prefer the absence of such an alliance. “He is worried—otherwise, why would he keep talking about it? Meanwhile, Gambians are facing hardships,” he added.
Martin emphasized that the current coalition discussions aim to address shortcomings observed in the 2016 arrangement. He noted that some participants in the talks are independent actors who are not affiliated with any political party but are engaged in the process in the national interest.
He cautioned that the coalition-building effort would be demanding and competitive, stressing that leadership would not be handed to any individual without due process.
“President Barrow betrayed the 2016 coalition because he does not follow the rules,” Martin alleged.
Calling for unity, Martin urged political stakeholders to prioritize national interests over partisan considerations, highlighting what he described as institutional weaknesses and widespread socio-economic challenges in the country.
He expressed optimism about the possibility of forming a unified coalition but noted that, even if that goal is not achieved, the opposition could still emerge as a strong and formidable force.
Addressing government development claims, Martin dismissed the notion that infrastructure projects are the sole measure of progress.
“The president is saying I am the one who constructs these roads. President Barrow did not take his personal money to build these roads. Secondly, people do not eat roads. Think of sectoral developments, cash power, livelihood, economy, education, and health; these are all issues for the people in this country,” he said.
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