President Adama Barrow has said the alliance between his National People’s Party and the Gambia Democratic Congress has significantly changed the country’s political landscape, arguing that the partnership has placed him in a strong position ahead of the December presidential election.
Speaking at his residence in Mankamang Kunda during a meeting with GDC leader Mama Kandeh and members of his party, Barrow said the cooperation between the two political groups had strengthened his re-election campaign and altered the dynamics of the presidential race.
The president expressed confidence that the election had effectively been decided, claiming that even some of his opponents privately believed they could no longer defeat him.
“All these jujus they have buried have been damaged,” Barrow said. “Even among themselves they have agreed that this election is over.”
Barrow also described himself as a “master” of political alliances and coalitions, pointing to his experience working with different political groups over the past decade.
He cited the opposition coalition that brought him to power in 2016 as part of that experience, saying his ability to build political partnerships had remained central to his approach.
The president urged NPP and GDC supporters to overcome previous political differences and work together as a single force ahead of the election.
“GDC and NPP members are now one,” he said. “Let us work because you only get rewarded when you put in the work.”
The alliance represents a significant political shift for two parties that previously competed against each other in presidential elections.
Kandeh contested against Barrow in both the 2016 and 2021 presidential elections before the GDC entered into an alliance with the governing NPP ahead of the 2026 contest.
Barrow said the new partnership would also be evident during his planned “Meet the People Tour” in September.
He predicted that this year’s tour would be different from previous editions because of what he described as an extensive mobilisation effort involving supporters of both the NPP and GDC.
The president also made a further prediction regarding the United Democratic Party, saying its leader would eventually go to the Independent Electoral Commission and acknowledge defeat even before polling day.
Barrow did not provide evidence to support the claim that the UDP or its leadership had conceded the presidential race.
His remarks reflect growing confidence within the governing camp as the NPP works to consolidate its alliances ahead of the December election.
Despite the president’s prediction, the outcome of the contest will ultimately be determined by voters, with opposition parties and candidates continuing preparations to challenge Barrow’s bid for another term.
