President Barrow Hails NPP as a ‘Beacon of Light’ for The Gambia’s Future
In a significant political gathering, President Adama Barrow has declared his National People’s Party (NPP) a guiding force for national development and unity, as hundreds of opposition members switched allegiance to the ruling party.
A Historic Defection and a Vision for Unity
The political landscape in The Gambia shifted noticeably this week as the NPP headquarters in Bundung became the stage for a major realignment. President Barrow presided over a ceremony welcoming 804 new members, a group comprised of defectors from rival parties including the United Democratic Party (UDP), the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), and the All People’s Party-Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa).
Describing the event as historic, President Barrow framed the defections as a move from the political fringe into the mainstream. “Today you have abandoned the shades of darkness and now embrace the brightness,” he stated, addressing the new members. “This means we are heading in the same direction and share the same vision.”
The NPP as the Nation’s Custodian
Positioning his party as the nation’s primary custodian, Barrow asserted that Gambians have placed the country’s future in the NPP’s hands. He emphasized the party’s role as the central hope for a better Gambia and vowed unwavering commitment to national development. His speech underscored a message of inclusivity, urging longtime supporters to welcome newcomers and intensify mobilization efforts to expand the party’s base.
Striking a cautionary note against internal strife, the President warned that division harms both the party and the nation. He pointed to what he described as the NPP’s undeniable track record of democratic governance and developmental achievements over the past five years—a record, he suggested, that even political rivals cannot ignore.
Defectors Cite Development and Leadership as Key Motivators
The rationale behind the mass defection was articulated by speakers representing the new members. Sukai Jallow and Fatoumata Barry took to the podium, explaining that their decision to cross the political aisle was driven by the unprecedented development witnessed under the Barrow administration and a firm belief in his leadership vision.
They offered their full and unwavering commitment to the president, pledging robust support for his bid to remain in office. Their testimonies painted a picture of a political migration motivated not by convenience, but by conviction in the current government’s direction.
As The Gambia continues on its political journey, the consolidation of support around the NPP signals a potentially significant realignment, with President Barrow firmly positioning his party as the country’s guiding light.
Source: Original reporting by Kemo Kanyi.