By Makutu Manneh
Mai Ahmad Fatty, leader of the Gambia Moral Congress and coordinator of the National People’s Party’s Political Alliances Secretariat, on Friday offered a strong endorsement of President Adama Barrow, describing him as the country’s most tested and trusted leader as the ruling party formally launched its manifesto and political platform ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center during the unveiling of the NPP’s manifesto, nine-point development plan and digital platforms, Mr. Fatty portrayed President Barrow as a stabilizing figure who guided the country through a period of political and economic uncertainty.
“Let me speak plainly, Your Excellency, as your government, there is no leader more tested, more trusted and more proven than President Adama Barrow,” Mr. Fatty told supporters and party officials gathered at the event. “His Excellency took the helm when our ship was sinking and brought the saviour to harbour.”
The remarks underscored the ruling party’s effort to frame the upcoming election as a choice between continuity and uncertainty, emphasizing what party leaders describe as the achievements of the Barrow administration since taking office in 2017.
Mr. Fatty said the coalition of parties aligned with the NPP remained united behind the president and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the next election.
“The 2026 election is not about victory,” he said. “It is about how much is the margin of the victory.”
He argued that the administration inherited a country burdened by weakened institutions, a struggling economy and a civil service operating under fear, but said significant progress had been made over the past several years.
According to Mr. Fatty, the government’s record includes expanded road infrastructure, greater press freedom, efforts to strengthen judicial independence, and renewed confidence from international development partners.
“This is not propaganda,” he said. “This is the record.”
Throughout his address, Mr. Fatty repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting what he described as democratic and economic gains achieved under the current administration. He said the party’s manifesto was designed to consolidate reforms rather than introduce a dramatic shift in direction.
Among the priorities outlined were strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding freedom of expression, deepening economic recovery and advancing national reconciliation.
He said the government would continue efforts to ensure that “no single hand can ever again silence the Gambian voice,” while pursuing economic policies aimed at translating national growth into tangible improvements in household livelihoods.
Mr. Fatty also highlighted commitments to peace-building and reconciliation, arguing that the lessons of the country’s past should serve as a foundation for its future.
“The manifesto consolidates the rule of law, security sector reform and the independence of our courts,” he said. “These are the very foundations upon which everything else we build must stand.”
The launch of the manifesto marks a significant step in the NPP’s preparations for the 2026 presidential election, as the ruling party seeks to build support around its record in government and its vision for a new term under President Barrow.
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