By: Dawda M Jallow
Ousman N.L. Njie has announced his intention to contest the December 2026 presidential election as an independent candidate, saying he wants to offer what he described as a new and constructive direction for the country.
Njie made the announcement yesterday during a press conference at his residence in Tallinding, where he called on Gambians who shared his vision to support his candidacy.
He said his decision to contest was driven by concerns over what he described as high unemployment, economic hardship, high cost of living, insecurity, low wages, corruption, alleged financial mismanagement and what he called misplaced government priorities.
“I am running because I have grown increasingly concerned about the course of events in The Gambia,” Njie said, listing among his concerns over energy supply, the cost of living, housing costs, salaries and what he described as unaccounted-for public funds.
On energy, Njie claimed that access to cheap and abundant energy had been interrupted, while the country’s dependence on foreign sources continued to increase.
He also criticised what he described as difficulties facing farmers and the struggling class, arguing that government policies should better protect the interests of ordinary Gambians.
Moving on to security, Njie raised concerns over the involvement of foreign troops in the country, saying this could undermine the professionalism of Gambian security personnel.
He said the Gambia which he described as a peaceful and welcoming country, deserved a governance system that put greater emphasis on the interests of its citizens.
Njie also criticised what he called as excessive concentration of power around the State House and argued that national institutions should work more effectively in the interests of ordinary Gambians.
He called for greater reliance on Gambian skills and resources, including giving more opportunities to local businesses, empowering young people and women, developing the informal sector and promoting local manufacturing.
On the economy, Njie said his proposed government would seek to create an economy where hard work would be rewarded fairly, revive manufacturing and make greater use of the technological skills of young Gambians.
He also pledged to strengthen public institutions, support the security services, improve the welfare of workers and expand opportunities for the informal sector.
Njie said his campaign would focus on what he described as hope, opportunity and national unity, while opposing divisions along tribal lines.
“I am running for President because I believe in the audacity of the Gambian Dream,” he said.
He appealed to Gambians for their votes, trust and support, saying lasting change would require participation from communities across the country.
Njie said he would take his message to Gambians in the coming months and elaborate on his proposals for what he described as a responsible and responsive government.
The 2026 presidential election is scheduled for December 5, with the Independent Electoral Commission set to conduct presidential nominations from November 3 to 14. Independent candidates are eligible to contest, subject to the applicable nomination requirements.