Baxso Jaiteh Of APRC
By Buba Gagigo
Bakary Jaiteh, widely known as Baxo, a prominent supporter of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), has strongly criticized the National People’s Party (NPP), describing it as a group dominated by “job seekers and angry individuals.” He also urged President Adama Barrow to establish a committee to address internal issues and restructure the party.
“If President Barrow does not address the challenges within his party, especially among its executives, it will backfire. They lack sincerity and genuine commitment,” Jaiteh said. “The NPP has principles and a constitution, and it is your [President Barrow’s] responsibility to ensure peace within the party. The problems during the last election—infighting, public criticisms, and audio attacks—stemmed from these issues. Even after the elections, the same problems persisted. Most of the people in the NPP do not have your best interests at heart. I urge you to set up a committee to restructure the party. Many in the NPP are angry, self-centered, and merely seeking opportunities for personal gain. I am saying this, and anyone who disagrees can challenge me.”
Jaiteh also accused the NPP of failing to honor its political agreements, even those sanctioned by President Barrow. “The party is in alliances with others, but it disrespects all agreements. Why is that?” he asked.
Additionally, Jaiteh alleged the existence of a power struggle within the NPP, claiming that certain factions are working to sideline President Barrow ahead of the 2026 elections.
“Let me reveal this to Gambians: there are people within the NPP saying the President is about to step down. Some are claiming he plans to hand over to Seedy Njie, while others say Dr. Sabally or Lamin Sillah is positioning himself to take over. These factions have created their own groups, or ‘kabudus,’ which are tearing the party apart. President Barrow is not dead, and yet there’s already a scramble for power within the NPP. They are using scare tactics to pressure him not to contest in 2026,” Jaiteh alleged.
Jaiteh further criticized recent actions by some NPP regional committees, accusing them of pursuing personal interests rather than addressing the concerns of party militants.
“When these regional committees were being established, the energy they invested in campaigning for their agenda was far greater than what they displayed during the mayoral election. These moves are purely for the benefit of a select few, not the party as a whole. The militants have already rejected them. It is unacceptable for the National Executive to think they can decide the party’s future if President Barrow steps down. To hell with that!” Jaiteh declared.
Jaiteh’s comments add to the growing chorus of criticism aimed at the NPP’s internal divisions and its handling of party affairs.