Bakary Y Badjie, Minister Of Youth and Sports
By Fatou Sillah
Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, In a speech addressing residents of Talinding, Jeshwang, Serekunda West, and Bakau constituencies in Ebo Town during the President’s “Meet the People” Tour, expressed confidence in President Adama Barrow’s victory in the upcoming 2026 presidential election. Badjie also dismissed those claiming that Gambians no longer support the president, labeling them as fearful.
“Those who say that Gambians no longer want President Barrow should not be afraid,” Badjie remarked. “If you truly believe that Gambians are against him, then let’s hold an election. But if you are trying to prevent President Barrow from contesting, that only shows your fear. If you are not afraid, let’s wait for December 2026, when Gambians will have the opportunity to choose their leader. We, the youth of The Gambia, will fully support President Barrow as our NPP candidate, and he will emerge victorious in 2026.”
The Minister also urged the public to not be swayed by individuals calling for President Barrow to refrain from running for a third term. He asserted that the decision would ultimately lie with the Gambian people.
“Do not let anyone deceive you or incite protests, claiming that President Barrow cannot run for a third term,” Badjie urged the crowd. “The Gambian people will decide whether or not they want to re-elect the president. If you are satisfied with his leadership and the progress he has made, give him a third term, as we are confident that is what will happen.”
Badjie further emphasized that anyone who argues against a third term for President Barrow must be able to point to legal grounds for their claim.
“If someone tells you that President Barrow cannot contest for a third term, ask them to provide the constitutional basis for their argument. Some may claim that it is an ECOWAS regulation, but ECOWAS merely suggests a framework for its member states, and it is not binding law in The Gambia. President Barrow believes in term limits, and if they are included in the upcoming constitution, we will all support them. But as of now, we are governed by the laws that exist,” he said.
Acknowledging the ongoing debate around the issue of a third term, Badjie reaffirmed that the country’s constitution currently allows President Barrow to run for as many terms as he wishes.
“Your Excellency, President Adama Barrow, we are aware of the noise surrounding the third-term issue. But we know that this country is governed by laws, and our constitution allows the president to contest for as many terms as he wishes until the law changes,” Badjie concluded.