By: Haddy Touray
The National Youth President of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), Momodou Sabally has called on Gambians to support the party in the forthcoming elections, arguing that political alignment with President Adama Barrow’s administration would accelerate development across the country.
Addressing an NPP political rally in Kotu Quarry on Sunday, Sabally expressed confidence that President Barrow would win the 5 December presidential election, describing the NPP as the only political party capable of delivering sustainable national development.
“Looking at those who came here today, you will know that on December 5 there is only one winner, and that is the NPP under His Excellency President Adama Barrow,” he told supporters.
Sabally said the government’s focus had shifted from politics to development through the “Development Bantaba” initiative, under which ministers and senior government officials engage directly with communities to identify and address local development needs.
He cited the attendance of senior government officials, including the Minister of Youth and Sports and Minister Nani Juwara, at the rally as evidence of the government’s commitment to community engagement.
He also pointed to youth football activities organised during the event as an example of government support for youth empowerment.
Turning to municipal governance, Sabally criticised the leadership of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), urging residents to reconsider their electoral choices.
He argued that while voters made the right decision by electing President Barrow, they made the wrong choice by electing Talib Ahmed Bensouda as Mayor of KMC in 2023.
Sabally accused the council of failing to improve essential public services, including roads, water supply and electricity, and said conditions at the Serrekunda Market had not significantly improved.
He also criticised the council’s policy of charging fees for the use of public toilets.
Drawing on his previous role as National Campaign Manager of the United Democratic Party (UDP) before joining the NPP, Sabally apologised to residents of Bakau for supporting Bensouda’s mayoral campaign.
He said expectations for infrastructure development, including improvements along Kairaba Avenue, had not been fulfilled.
“Someone who cannot clean the gutters in KMC will not clean Kotu Quarry. He will not be able to bring water and electricity here,” Sabally said.
He urged residents to elect both an NPP mayoral candidate and an NPP National Assembly member, saying political alignment between local authorities and the central government would speed up development in the municipality.
Sabally also called on young Gambians to play a greater role in national development and community security.
Quoting former United States President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, he urged young people to contribute positively to their communities rather than simply criticising crime.
He commended members of the Kotu Quarry neighbourhood watch for their volunteer efforts to maintain security in the community.
“On behalf of the NPP and in my capacity as the National Youth President of the NPP, we commend you for making sure that your community is safe,” he said.