NAFAA Leader Criticizes Barrow Administration’s Record, Calls for Political Change

By Makutu Manneh

Ousainou Allen, leader of the National Alliance for Accelerated Advancement Movement (NAFAA), has accused President Adama Barrow and his administration of failing to address the needs of Gambians, particularly young people, women, and residents of Farafenni.

Speaking at a political gathering in Farafenni on Friday, Allen, whose movement is allied with the National Democratic Party (NDP), criticized the government’s record on economic hardship and public service delivery, urging voters to reject what he described as attempts to influence their political choices through election-related gifts.

Allen maintained that the votes of Farafenni residents could not be bought, warning that the distribution of food items, including rice, would do little to alleviate the economic challenges confronting ordinary Gambians.

“These gifts will not resolve high electricity tariffs, rent burdens, challenges in markets and poor road conditions,” he said.

He questioned the government’s ability to deliver meaningful improvements ahead of the election, arguing that an administration that had failed to address longstanding problems over nearly a decade could not credibly promise to resolve them in the final weeks of a campaign.

Allen also expressed confidence in the prospects for political change, pointing to NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang as an example of someone who, he said, had demonstrated a commitment to supporting communities even without holding the presidency.

He blamed the country’s prevailing economic and social difficulties on the choices made at the ballot box, arguing that political leadership bears responsibility for the conditions under which citizens live.

Calling for a change in government, Allen urged voters to assess candidates by their record of service rather than campaign promises or material inducements.

He maintained that Gambians should entrust leadership to individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to support their communities long before seeking public office.