By Makutu Manneh
Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly member for Foni Kansala, on Sunday urged voters in Bantanjang Ward to replicate the outcome of the early 2025 Massembeh by-election, in which the opposition United Democratic Party defeated the ruling National People’s Party in the councilorship race.
Addressing supporters ahead of the Bantanjang by-election scheduled for Jan. 10, Mr. Gibba said the Massembeh vote demonstrated that the ruling party could be overcome even after deploying senior figures to campaign.
“They took all their prominent people to Massembeh for the campaign but ended up being defeated,” Mr. Gibba said. “If we allow them to defeat us in this election, know that we will face a huge difficulty. Let us follow suit.”
Mr. Gibba called on voters to unite behind Bakary M. Manga, an independent candidate, and ensure his victory in the upcoming poll.
In his remarks, Mr. Gibba also criticized President Adama Barrow, arguing that the president does not personally contribute to public revenues and benefits from state-funded privileges.
“President Barrow is surviving on our taxes,” he said, adding that the president does not pay for items such as licenses, utilities, or medical bills. He contrasted this with the situation of lawmakers, saying that a significant portion of National Assembly members’ salaries is deducted through taxation.
Mr. Gibba further took aim at the minister of agriculture, Demba Sabally, dismissing claims that lawmakers’ access to official vehicles was due to President Barrow’s benevolence. “This is misleading,” he said.
He renewed a previous challenge to Mr. Sabally to engage in a public debate, saying he was prepared to face him “at any medium of his choice.” Mr. Gibba framed the Bantanjang by-election as part of a broader political contest leading to the next presidential election.
“This by-election is nothing,” he said. “We are waiting for him in the presidential election.”
The Bantanjang Ward by-election comes amid heightened political competition, with opposition figures seeking to build momentum following the Massembeh result earlier this year.