Political figures and political commentators have expressed sharply contrasting views over Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mama Kandeh’s decision to enter an alliance with President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
The debate took place during Thursday’s edition of AG Radio’s Viewpoint programme. The guests included MC Cham Jr., National Campaign Manager of the United Movement for Change, and Hon. Musa Cham, National Assembly Member for Serekunda, Falang Sonko, a prominent member of the United Democratic Party (UDP). They appeared alongside AG Radio panelists Bura Dibba, Gibril Fadia, Dodou Ndow and Baboucarr Mboge.
Most of the participants criticised Kandeh’s decision, arguing that it amounted to a betrayal of the more than 105,000 Gambians who voted for him in the 2021 presidential election.
They also accused the GDC leader of keeping some senior party officials and supporters uninformed while negotiations with President Barrow’s camp were allegedly taking place behind closed doors.
MC Cham Jr. warned that Kandeh could suffer the same political fate as former Senegalese opposition leader Idrissa Seck, whose influence reportedly declined after he joined the government of former President Macky Sall.
Cham argued that Kandeh risked losing the political identity and support base he had built while positioning himself as an alternative to President Barrow.
Falang Sonko, who also contributed to the discussion, emphasised the importance of integrity in politics and public life.
“After everything Kandeh has said against President Barrow, his decision to ally himself with the NPP raises serious questions about his integrity,” Sonko said. He added that Gambians seeking political change should support the United Democratic Party.
Hon. Musa Cham described the alliance as deceptive and questionable. He said elected representatives and political leaders must remain loyal to the people who placed their trust in them.
“I would rather die than betray the trust of the people,” he said.
Bura Dibba and Baboucarr Mboge alleged that financial difficulties may have influenced Kandeh’s decision. He argued that the alliance had strengthened long-standing public speculation that the GDC leader was preparing to join forces with the governing party.
Dodou Ndow expressed a similar view, claiming that the agreement was motivated by personal interest rather than the interests of GDC supporters or the wider Gambian population.
However, Gibril Fadia disagreed with the majority of the panel. He defended Kandeh’s decision, saying the GDC leader had exercised his democratic right to choose his political allies.
According to Fadia, the NPP–GDC alliance could serve the broader interests of The Gambia and should be assessed on its potential contribution to national stability and development rather than solely on Kandeh’s previous criticism of the Barrow administration.
