President Adama Barrow has urged political parties preparing for the 2026 presidential election to get ready for what he described as a major political contest, jokingly telling his rivals to make their spiritual and traditional preparations ahead of polling day.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday during a community meeting in Futeh Fula village as part of his ongoing nationwide tour, where he addressed the emerging political atmosphere ahead of the December presidential election.
Turning his attention to his former political ally and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader, lawyer Ousainou Darboe, President Barrow recalled a recent radio interview in which Darboe discussed his priorities should he become president.
According to Barrow, the interviewer suggested that his administration could be remembered largely for its road construction and infrastructure projects before asking Darboe about his own vision for the country.
Barrow said the UDP leader responded that his priority would be to eradicate hunger in The Gambia.
Questioning the relevance of that message, President Barrow asked whether hunger was currently widespread in the country.
“Is there hunger in The Gambia?” Barrow asked, before jokingly suggesting that Darboe was becoming old and losing touch with current realities. His remarks drew reactions from supporters and residents gathered at the meeting.
The President’s comments come as political parties intensify their preparations for the 2026 presidential election, with opposition groups seeking to challenge his bid for another term in office.
Despite the political exchanges, President Barrow used the gathering to reiterate his government’s development priorities, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He said his administration would continue investing in new medical facilities and upgrading regional health centres to improve access to healthcare services across the country.
Education, he added, would remain another key priority, with the government committed to expanding educational facilities in both rural and urban communities.
Barrow told residents that his administration’s development agenda would continue to focus on projects intended to have a direct impact on the daily lives of Gambians.
