Karamo Njie, UDP North Bank Region PRO
By Buba Gagigo
Karamo Njie, Public Relations Officer for the United Democratic Party (UDP) in The Gambia’s North Bank Region, has stated that his party’s recent victory in the Masembeh by-election is a strong indication that Gambians are ready to vote out President Adama Barrow in the 2026 presidential election.
“The election is over, and UDP has emerged victorious. However, the key takeaway is that Gambians are prepared to vote President Barrow out in 2026,” Njie said. “Kiang has demonstrated the love and support they have for the UDP. This sentiment is not isolated to Kiang—it reflects the feeling across the country.”
Njie criticized advisers to President Barrow who downplayed the UDP’s victory, suggesting it was merely a retention of a seat. “If it wasn’t a significant win, why did the National People’s Party (NPP) contest the seat? This shows that those advising Barrow are misleading him. The people of Kiang have delivered a clear message: Barrow’s popularity has significantly declined.”
He urged President Barrow’s associates to acknowledge the growing dissatisfaction among Gambians regarding his leadership. “Tell the president the truth—Gambians are no longer willing to be deceived. Even in Kabada, where the NPP made empty promises, the people now realize that the development projects touted by the government are funded by taxpayers’ money. For example, Landing B. Sanneh provided a borehole, yet the UDP did not exploit this for political gain because we do not manipulate Gambians. I am confident that Kabada, like the rest of the country, will vote for change in 2026.”
Njie also accused the NPP of engaging in tribal politics but maintained that the UDP would not resort to such tactics. “Gambians have seen the reality and are simply waiting for 2026.”
Commenting on NPP member Momodou Sabally’s absence from public statements during the Kiang by-election, Njie suggested it was due to previous criticisms Sabally had made about President Barrow. “Sabally called Barrow an uneducated leader and accused his government of corruption. Given these past remarks, it’s unsurprising he chose to remain silent during the campaign. We are also aware of the internal challenges he faces within the NPP. My advice to Sabally is to be cautious—nothing lasts forever, and personal ambition should not come at the cost of one’s future.”
Karamo Njie remains confident that the UDP’s momentum in the Masembeh by-election is a precursor to broader national support, signaling a strong push for change in 2026.