Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie has launched a scathing criticism of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor and UNITE Party leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda, describing him as the worst-performing mayor in the municipality’s history despite what he said was record revenue collection under his administration.
Speaking to Barrow 2026, a platform campaigning for President Adama Barrow’s re-election, during the president’s Meet-the-People Tour in Serekunda on Sunday, Mr. Badjie questioned Mr. Bensouda’s development record and his suitability to lead the country.
The minister accused the mayor of failing to fulfil key development promises made to residents, arguing that his performance at the municipal level raised questions about his capacity to deliver on broader national commitments.
Mr. Badjie cited several projects he said Mr. Bensouda had pledged to undertake, including the construction of a mini stadium, roads, additional markets and a drainage system, as well as the introduction of a municipal transport service and a housing scheme.
“The mayor promised to build a mini stadium, construct roads, build more markets and a drainage system, introduce a KMC transport system, and introduce a housing scheme for the municipality but failed to deliver on any of them,” he said.
He argued that despite the council reportedly recording its highest revenue collection, the mayor had little tangible development to show for his time in office.
Mr. Badjie also questioned Mr. Bensouda’s presidential ambitions, insisting that his record as mayor should be the basis on which voters assess his promises to transform the country.
According to the minister, anyone seeking the presidency must first demonstrate the ability to deliver on commitments made while occupying public office.
He challenged the KMC mayor to point to concrete projects completed under his leadership before asking Gambians to entrust him with the country’s highest office.
The remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges ahead of the December 5 presidential election, in which President Barrow is seeking another term while Mr. Bensouda is positioning himself as an opposition contender.
Mr. Badjie’s assessment of the mayor’s performance and claims regarding KMC’s revenue collection were not independently verified. Mr. Bensouda’s response to the allegations was not available at the time of publication.
