By Seedy Jobe
Sheriffo Bayo Sonko, Transport Councilor for the Brikama Area Council, has fired back at Business Councilor of Kanifing Municipal Council, MC Cham Jr., over recent comments concerning opposition coalition strategies ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 elections.
In a sharply worded statement, Sonko cast doubt on the viability of MC Cham Jr.’s preferred candidate to lead any opposition coalition.
“No amount of explanation can convince Gambians or serious political parties to accept your so-called ‘winnable candidate’ as a coalition leader,” Sonko said. “If your plan is to force people to accept your leader or to form a family party, then you clearly do not understand the current political reality of The Gambia.”
Sonko accused MC Cham Jr. and his candidate of carrying a “stain of betrayal” and questioned their moral authority to speak on coalitions, referencing MC Cham Jr.’s past affiliation with the United Democratic Party (UDP).
“You have no moral authority to speak about coalitions when you betrayed the very party that made you who you are today,” Sonko added.
Drawing parallels between MC Cham Jr.’s candidate and President Barrow’s leadership, Sonko warned, “The presidency cannot be replaced by another betrayal, especially by someone who is even worse than President Barrow himself.”
Sonko also questioned MC Cham Jr.’s party formation strategy, citing Senegal’s PASTEF as a comparison. “You spoke about PASTEF. How was it formed? Was it through betrayal and personal interest, or through honesty and national interest?” he asked.
Highlighting the priorities of Gambian citizens, Sonko stressed that the focus should remain on issues such as corruption, poor healthcare, and rising living costs. “Coalitions are for serious political parties that understand the country’s real concerns. These are the issues resonating in the minds and hearts of Gambian citizens,” he said.
Taking a further jab, Sonko criticized MC Cham Jr. ‘s movement, noting, “Nations are built on reality, not fiction. That is the weakness of your so-called movement, which is not even a political party yet.” He advised MC Cham Jr. to “carefully read and understand the messages you carry before sharing them.”
Reaffirming UDP’s openness to genuine coalition partners, Sonko concluded, “Our doors remain open to those genuinely seeking change, not procu procu politicians,” Sonko said.
The exchange underscores rising tensions within opposition ranks as The Gambia gears up for the 2026 elections.