The Deputy Campaign Manager of the National People’s Party (NPP), Abdoulie Cham, has vigorously defended President Adama Barrow’s administration, rejecting allegations of corruption within the government and arguing that the President’s record in office justifies a third presidential term.
Speaking on AG Radio’s Friday Special programme, Cham dismissed reports published by The Republic newspaper alleging corruption involving members of the Barrow administration. He described the publication as part of what he claimed was a campaign aimed at discrediting President Barrow and overshadowing the government’s development achievements.
Cham also addressed concerns over the growing use of insults and inflammatory language in Gambian politics. He said the NPP leadership does not condone personal attacks and revealed that senior party officials have been engaging members and supporters accused of insulting political opponents, urging them to desist and promote respectful political discourse.
He described President Barrow as “the most peaceful president in Africa” and argued that his leadership style compares favourably with that of opposition leaders. According to Cham, Barrow has consistently prioritised peace, stability and national unity throughout his presidency.
In a notable revelation during the interview, Cham said President Barrow intends to serve only until 2031 if re-elected and would then hand over leadership to another person. He said the President has no intention of remaining in office beyond that period.
On the issue of presidential term limits, Cham defended President Barrow’s decision to seek another mandate, arguing that constitutional debates over term limits should be weighed alongside the administration’s performance. He maintained that the government’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education, electricity, water supply and economic development provides sufficient justification for Gambians to renew the President’s mandate for a third term.
“Why should Gambians change a president who is good for the country?” Cham asked, insisting that continuity would enable the government to consolidate ongoing development projects and reforms.
Commenting on the recent landmark Supreme Court judgment involving former Auditor General Modou Ceesay, Cham disputed claims that President Barrow had acted improperly. According to him, Ceesay had initially accepted an appointment as Minister of Trade before later changing his mind. Cham argued that President Barrow had committed no wrongdoing in the matter and defended the President’s handling of the circumstances surrounding Ceesay’s departure from the Office of the Auditor General.
Cham also criticised former NPP executive member Fanding Baldeh, who appeared on AG Radio the previous week. He accused Baldeh of spreading what he described as misinformation about the ruling party following his resignation from the NPP.
The NPP official further came to the defence of Amadou Sanneh, a nephew of President Barrow, describing him as “a man of integrity.” Cham rejected allegations linking Sanneh to alleged questionable business dealings involving Alagie Kebbeh, Muhammed Zein and Megabank and dismissed the claims as baseless.
The interview formed part of AG Radio’s continuing political series ahead of the presidential election, providing the ruling party with an opportunity to present its positions on governance, development and national issues. Many of the matters discussed during the programme—including corruption allegations, presidential term limits, the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Modou Ceesay case and questions of accountability—remain subjects of active public and political debate in The Gambia as the country prepares for the polls.
By Salieu Njie
