The leader and secretary-general of the National people’s Party (NPP) President Adama Barrow has described the governing party’s weekend successes in the Kaif and Bantangjang wards by-elections as outcomes of a “referendum” between the ruling party and the opposition.
President Barrow also described the electoral outcomes as endorsement of national stewardship and the country’s trajectory.
“It is a referendum for us and the opposition,” President Barrow was said to have commented after the results were announced.
The NPP leader was further quoted as saying that if the NPP continues on the upward trend of winning elections ahead of this year’s presidential election as it did in Niamina, Jokadu, Kaif and Bantangjang, then the party’s electoral prospects in next December’s general election are bright.
President Barrow said history has repeated itself in the by-elections in Kaif and Bantangjang wards.
“This is history repeating itself. There was a referendum in the by-elections in Niamina and Jokadu, where we won both seats. The same trend is repeating, so we are very confident heading into 2026. I believe we will achieve something similar or even greater,” President Barrow was quoted as saying.
According to a statement, signed by the ruling party deputy spokesperson Seedy Njie and shared with JollofNews, the Kaif and Bantangjang results “reaffirmed NPP’s collective vision to transform The Gambia into a modern city-state, one that guarantees universal access to electricity, clean water, quality healthcare, education, agricultural advancement, road networks, and reliable communications systems”.
The NPP said “the outcomes of these by-elections are not only excellent but also represent a significant stride toward securing an absolute majority in December 5th, 2026 Presidential Election”.
According to the statement, President Barrow saw his party’s triumph in the by-elections as an acknowledgement and support of his stewardship and “development trajectory” by the people of Bantangjang and Kaif.
“The NPP, alongside political analysts and observers, views these results as a strong indication of the Gambian people’s willingness and determination to re-elect President Adama Barrow in December 2026,” read the NPP’s statement.
“While we celebrate this remarkable victory, we urge all party members, supporters, and alliance partners to remain resolute, united, and committed to galvanizing even broader support as we continue our journey of national transformation,” the statement further read.
The NPP described the by-election victories in Kaiaf and Bantanjang as resounding, stating that they reaffirmed national confidence in President Adama Barrow’s leadership.
“The National People’s Party (NPP), under the visionary leadership of its Secretary General and Party Leader, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, warmly hails the resounding victory recorded in the recent by-elections in Kaiaf Ward, Kiang East Constituency, and Bantanjang Ward, Foni Bondali Constituency,” the NPP said in its post-election statement.
“We express our profound gratitude and appreciation to the people of these wards for the overwhelming trust and confidence they have reposed in our great party. This renewed mandate is a clear confirmation of the NPP’s resolve and strong commitment to inclusive development and service delivery across all communities and regions of The Gambia,” the ruling party said.
“The Party extends its warmest congratulations to Councillor-elect Omar Touray of Kaiaf Ward and Councillor-elect Abdoulie Badjie of Bantanjang Ward on their well-deserved victories, and wishes them every success as they assume their respective seats in service to their communities and the nation at large,” the party said, adding: “The NPP also extends its appreciation to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the United Democratic Party (UDP), and the two independent candidates for their participation, professionalism, and the peaceful conduct demonstrated throughout the campaign and post-election periods. This conduct stands as a further testament to The Gambia’s growing democratic maturity, political pluralism, and commitment to peaceful electoral processes.”
