As The Gambia continues to witness a proliferation of political movements ahead of this year’s presidential election, President Adama Barrow on Saturday launched a stinging critique of the country’s crowded political field, labeling some of the emerging groups as “briefcase parties” with no track record of national development.
Addressing a sea of National People’s Party (NPP) supporters at a rally in Mamuda village to celebrate the NPP’s 6th year anniversary, the President struck a defiant tone, questioning the motives and the substance of his political rivals.
President Barrow’s remarks centered on the perceived lack of tangible progress delivered by opposition figures. He argued that while new parties are surfacing rapidly as the 2026 election approaches, they offer little more than empty promises.
The NPP leader highlighted his party’s “commitment” towards the fast-approaching general election.
“We are already in 2026; an election year, and new parties are being formed every day,” President Barrow remarked. “Some of these may be briefcase parties. I urge all NPP supporters to remain steadfast and focused.”
Looking back at the party’s creation, President Barrow mentioned that when he founded the NPP, many doubted his ability to organise a political party and questioned whether he could win the 2021 elections.
He emphasised that his electoral victory proved his critics wrong in the past election.
