Seedy Cham, Chairman of CoPG
By Buba Gagigo
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has called on President Adama Barrow to reconsider his decision to seek a third term in office. Their appeal follows the president’s recent interview on QTV, where he hinted at his intention to contest again in 2026.
In a statement, CoPG urged the president to reflect on his decision carefully, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on a high note rather than overstaying his welcome.
“The Coalition of Progressive Gambians urges you to reconsider your decisions and take time to pillow over them. Once again, better leave while some Gambians are still clapping for you, as it can better your legacy than to leave when it’s too late. Have a deep thought, Mr. President, and wish you a good think over your decisions before the 18th of February 2025,” the CoPG stated.
CoPG also reminded President Barrow of the promises he made upon assuming office in 2016, particularly his commitment to a three-year transitional period aimed at establishing a credible democratic system.
“It was supposed to be a transition of three years, during which the necessary mechanisms for a credible democracy were supposed to take place. Basically, it was a new constitution with the necessary provisions to prevent what happened from 1994 to 2016. Unfortunately, the Gambians were disappointed by your immediate U turn to remain in power for five years and subsequently a second term, which to the Gambians is enough to call it off,” they said.
The coalition also expressed concern over what they see as a contradiction in President Barrow’s stance on term limits, criticizing his move to seek a third term despite advocating for constitutional reforms to prevent prolonged stays in power.
“Mr. President, are you taking Gambians for a ride or testing their patience? We think it’s better to think wisely and leave while some Gambians are still clapping for you, than to leave like your predecessor. You must not allow yourself to be fiddled by selfish and opportunists who are bent on nothing but their personal gains. Mr. President, the CoPG expected you to talk about your decision to step down or otherwise present a new candidate for your Party. Instead, the CoPG was disappointed to listen to your confession of a cradling NPP that can’t exist without you,” they said.
Furthermore, CoPG criticized President Barrow for failing to fulfill his commitment to hold a referendum on the 2020 Draft Constitution, a pledge he made in early 2023. They questioned the sincerity of his promises, arguing that many Gambians no longer take his words seriously.
“Mr. President, we can never take you for your words and believe that your interview on QTV is just to ride over the weak-minded Gambians, as nothing of what you said is taken seriously except your decision to contest for a third term Mr. President,” they said.
Highlighting unfulfilled expectations under Barrow’s administration, the coalition pointed to unresolved issues such as the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations, audit report findings, security sector reforms, economic challenges, and the continued enforcement of the Public Order Act, which they argue contradicts sections 25 and 26 of the constitution.“The TRRC, Audit Reports and Recommendations, the 2020 Draft Constitution, Security Sector Reforms, the readjustments of the poor economic performance of the country, the total annihilation of the primitive Public Order Act, which is contrary to sections 25 and 26 of the constitution. The continuity of the 1997 constitution and many other irregularities are negative legacies that will never be forgotten in our political history and have tarnished your political image and career and are a reason Gambians no longer have confidence in you,” they concluded.