Minister Accuses Former Allies of Betrayal, Reveals Privileges Received from NPP

By Fatou Sillah

In a fiery address to supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP), Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally accused former party members who recently defected of hypocrisy and betrayal, claiming they benefited extensively from state-sponsored privileges during their time in the ruling party.

Speaking at a political gathering, Mr. Sabally singled out prominent defector Kebba Madi, asserting that he and others were granted diplomatic passports, luxury vehicles, and lucrative business opportunities, only to later renounce the party that empowered them.

“These are people who were given diplomatic passports, pickups, and mining businesses worth millions,” Mr. Sabally told attendees. “Yet today, they claim they ‘never saw themselves in the party.’ What does that even mean?”

The minister’s remarks come amid growing tension within the NPP following a wave of high-profile defections. Sabally accused the defectors of seeking to undermine President Adama Barrow’s leadership and sow division within the party ranks ahead of the 2026 election.

“They didn’t leave for ideological reasons,” he declared. “They left to mislead the public and turn people against President Barrow.”

Sabally also reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the president, describing Barrow as a “good son of The Gambia” and pledging to stand by him “until eternity.”

The minister’s comments grew more combative as he warned that those who deserted the party would face the same political marginalization as Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP).

“Anyone who refuses to support President Barrow, we will treat you the same way we treat Darboe and the UDP,” Sabally said. “Even if you’re my sibling, if you leave Barrow, I will leave you.”

In an apparent reference to recent efforts to form a new political movement in the Central River Region, Sabally alleged that former NPP members were attempting to deceive supporters by claiming they intended to later align with Barrow.

“That is false,” he insisted. “These people are going around collecting voter cards under the guise of registering a political party, but they are not coming back to us.”

He further dismissed allegations that President Barrow betrayed the defectors, asserting instead that the president had treated them more favorably than ordinary party supporters.

“What the president did for them, he didn’t do for the rest of you,” he said. “He gave them everything.”

Sabally also took aim at Lamin Touray and his group, who were reportedly chased away during a recent political meeting in Foni, a stronghold of the opposition Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).

“They were driven out of Foni, and if they come here, we’ll do the same,” he said, referencing an audio clip released by the group claiming they left the meeting because President Barrow was expected to attend. “Even if you disagree with the president, you must respect the office.”

In a final rebuke, Sabally warned that political newcomers who speak ill of President Barrow would not succeed.

“If you insult President Barrow, you will never become president,” he said. “He never insulted Yahya Jammeh or Ousainou Darboe, but these people are just starting and already attacking him. The president may not respond — but we will.”