NPP’s Kebba Lang Fofana Accuses Opposition of Seeking to Derail December Election

By Seedy Jobe

Nominated National Assembly Member Kebba Lang Fofana has accused opposition parties of seeking to derail The Gambia’s presidential election, claiming they believe they cannot defeat President Adama Barrow at the polls.

Speaking at a National People’s Party rally in Bakoteh Borehole Ward, Fofana expressed confidence that Barrow would defeat any candidate who challenges him, pointing to the government’s record on roads and electricity as evidence of what he described as significant progress under the president.

“Anyone who contests against President Barrow, he will defeat them,” Fofana said.

The nominated lawmaker claimed that The Gambia had fewer than 800 kilometers of roads when Barrow took office but that his administration has since built more than 1,300 kilometers, with another 1,600 kilometers of road projects at various stages of development, including projects in the Kanifing Municipality.

Fofana said the figures would bring the administration’s road construction to nearly 3,000 kilometers, which he claimed would exceed the combined road infrastructure delivered under former presidents Sir Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh.

He also praised Barrow’s record on electricity, arguing that no previous Gambian leader had done as much to expand and improve the country’s power infrastructure. Despite the recent electricity crisis, Fofana said the president had demonstrated his commitment to addressing the problem.

“We, the NPP members, can stand and beat our chests and say, ‘Thank you, God, for the president you have given us,’” he said.

Fofana then accused opposition parties, including the United Democratic Party, UNITE, and the People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism, of pursuing what he described as a “no election” strategy. He alleged that opposition leaders believe they cannot defeat Barrow and are therefore seeking to create conditions that could prevent the election from taking place.

He did not provide evidence during his remarks to substantiate the allegation.

Fofana also accused some opposition politicians of exploiting public hardship for political gain, citing the recent disruptions in electricity supply. He argued that problems at the National Water and Electricity Company were being exaggerated to fuel public anger and political confrontation.

The lawmaker was particularly critical of a recent electricity protest in Banjul, which he said was led by a UDP National Assembly member.

Fofana questioned the decision to involve children in the demonstration, alleging that candles were distributed to them as protesters moved toward the State House. He argued that other locations, including Arch 22 and Independence Drive, could have been used for the protest instead.

While acknowledging the right of lawmakers and citizens to express themselves, Fofana said involving children in such demonstrations was inappropriate and potentially dangerous.