The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has declared that it will take on the movement led by Talib Ahmed Bensouda “head-on,” describing it as the biggest political threat facing the party ahead of future elections.
Speaking at a rally in Sukuta, Minister for Local Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs Hamat NK Bah delivered a fiery address, calling on NPP supporters to mobilise for the upcoming voter registration exercise.
“Talib’s movement is the biggest threat and danger to us,” Minister Bah said. “But we will fight it head on.”
He underscored that voter registration would be the cornerstone of the NPP’s electoral strategy, emphasising that victory or defeat would be determined by how effectively supporters register and turn out to vote.
“Our fight now is to ensure that every qualified Gambian is registered,” Bah said. “If we sit in our offices and enjoy the air conditioners, our people will not be able to vote for us when the elections come. That’s where you lose elections, that’s where you win elections.”
He urged local authorities including Alkalos and Kabilo heads to ensure that all eligible Gambians secure their voter cards.
Bah dismissed any notion that the political circumstances of 2016, when a coalition of opposition parties unseated then President Yahya Jammeh, could be repeated. He said the NPP was prepared to confront the opposition “tactically” but insisted that the real contest would be decided at the ballot box.
Echoing the minister’s comments, NPP official Hamat NK Bah said the party was closely following the activities of Talib Bensouda’s movement.
“All what the Talib Ahmed Bensouda movement is doing, we are monitoring it and we will stand up and fight him and his movement head on,” he said.
Hamat NK Bah also accused the opposition of attempting to sway young voters through social media and online campaigns, warning that the NPP would not allow them to gain the upper hand.
“We know the strategy they are using with the youth, but we are in government we will meet them in their own game and defeat them,” he said. “The youth should not allow anyone to fool them on social media. All they are saying, they can’t do it.”
He credited President Adama Barrow with delivering on promises that the opposition had failed to fulfil during the last electoral cycle.
“What Adama Barrow did in this country, no government can do it in ten years,” he added.
Minister Bah concluded with a message to young people, urging them to focus on developing practical skills rather than spending time online.
“Go and learn skills,” he said. “Social media will not give you a position in this country. All they are telling you are empty promises.”
