NDP Leader Denies Claims of D50 Million NPP Offer, Says ‘I Cannot Be Bought’

By Seedy Jobe

Kebba Madi Bojang, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has dismissed reports that he was offered D50 million to rejoin the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), saying the claims are unfounded and insisting that he cannot be bought.

Mr. Bojang said he had seen social media posts alleging that he was offered D50 million and subsequently demanded D100 million before agreeing to return to the NPP. He denied both claims.

“I am not someone who can be bought,” Mr. Bojang said, adding that people within the NPP know that he responds to respect rather than financial inducements.

“If you come with money, you will go home with shame,” he said. “They know very well that money does not move me.”

Mr. Bojang said his involvement in politics is driven by what he described as a desire to help rescue the country, adding that speculation on social media would not distract him from that objective.

He also reaffirmed the NDP’s intention to contest the Dec. 5 presidential election, saying that as long as he remains the party’s chosen leader, supporters should prepare to vote for the candidate fielded under the NDP banner.

Mr. Bojang announced that the party would begin a nationwide tour on Oct. 15, which he said would allow Gambians to demonstrate the level of support for the NDP and help shape the party’s direction, including any decision on a possible political alliance.

He said the public response during the tour would provide an indication of the party’s standing, adding that many Gambians have told the NDP they want the party to offer an alternative.

Addressing speculation that he could return to the NPP, Mr. Bojang acknowledged that several people have approached him in an effort to persuade him to do so, with some invoking the name of President Adama Barrow. He stressed, however, that President Barrow had not personally contacted him.

Mr. Bojang said any major political decision would ultimately be guided by the NDP membership, emphasizing that the party does not belong to him personally.

“What I know is clear: Kebba Madi does not own the NDP,” he said. “It is their words and their thinking that guide us. They are the ones I listen to. If they say I go, I go; if they say I stop, I stop. Right now, what they are saying is to keep moving without slowing down.”