By Sering Mass Jallow
Tombong Saidy, a senior executive member of the Unite for Nation Integrity, Transformation and Equality (UNITE) has accused President Adama Barrow’s government of attempting to block Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda from contesting the December presidential election.
In a statement shared with local media, Saidy questioned what he described as the government’s “obsession” with preventing Bensouda from participating in the election.
“Why is the government of President Adama Barrow obsessed with blocking one man from contesting in the December presidential elections?” Saidy asked.
According to him, the mayor’s growing popularity, performance record and support among Gambians have created fear within the ruling administration.
Saidy said Bensouda’s leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has transformed the institution into one of the country’s most visible and active local government authorities.
“While many institutions struggle with delivery, KMC has consistently demonstrated innovation, development and people-centred governance,” he said, adding that the council’s achievements have unsettled the government.
He further accused the central government of frustrating major KMC projects, including road construction and a municipal transport initiative.
“Instead of supporting projects meant to improve the lives of residents in the Kanifing Municipality, the central government frustrated and blocked the process,” Saidy alleged.
He argued that successful infrastructure projects have strengthened public confidence in Bensouda’s ability to lead national development.
Saidy also accused the government of shifting from obstructing development initiatives to what he described as “administrative warfare”.
He cited the establishment of a commission of inquiry by the Ministry of Local Government targeting KMC, which he claimed was widely criticized as politically motivated and legally questionable.
“KMC challenged the decision before the Supreme Court and won. The commission was scrapped, exposing the weakness of the government’s case,” he said.
Saidy called on the government to uphold democratic principles and ensure a free and fair political contest ahead of the elections.
“Democracies are not protected by blocking opponents, frustrating development projects or weaponising state institutions,” he remarked.
“They are strengthened by competition, transparency and the will of the people.”
