By Buba Gagigo
President Adama Barrow has expressed his ambition to etch his name in history by becoming the first head of state in The Gambia to be succeeded by a member of his own political Party.
Reflecting on his political journey, President Barrow underscored his pivotal role in dethroning former President Yahya Jammeh and clinching victory for his erstwhile party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), in the 2021 presidential polls.
“When President Jammeh held office, many believed he was unmovable by votes. However, President Barrow emerged through divine intervention, granting me the authority and insight to facilitate his removal. This event marked a historic moment in The Gambia, as it was the first time a president was elected through the ballot box. Regardless of any animosity directed towards me, this undeniable truth remains ingrained in our nation’s history. Such divine providence is bestowed upon me by the grace of God,” affirmed the president.
Highlighting another significant electoral triumph, President Barrow recounted his win against his former party, the UDP, in the 2021 elections.
“Those who believed they had elevated me to the presidency, God has decreed that I shall stand apart from them and confront them in the arena of electoral battle. Despite their declarations to depose me, they found themselves unable to do so. They employed every conceivable tactic, even aligning with the 3yrs Jotna movement, of which my father held a prominent position as Chief Executive Officer. Yet, despite their relentless efforts, they failed to unseat me.” He stated
Addressing a gathering in Brikama during the laying of the foundation stone for the NPP regional bureau, President Barrow underscored his determination to establish a precedent by ensuring a seamless transition within his party.
President Barrow recounted, “As we pursued legal action, they asserted during the court proceedings their intention to oust me in 2021. Upon learning this, I promptly informed my minister that the legal battle had concluded and urged him to retract the case, allowing us to focus on preparations for 2021, where I secured a resounding victory. My current aim is to demonstrate an unprecedented occurrence in Gambian history: the peaceful transition of power from a sitting president to a member of his own party. This is the assertion I am determined to validate.”