Essa Bokarr Sey, Former Deputy CEO of OIC Gambia
By Buba Gagigo
Essa Bokarr Sey, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Gambia and former Gambian Ambassador to the United States , has strongly opposed President Adama Barrow’s potential bid for a third term in office.
In a strongly worded statement, Sey firmly rejected any attempt to extend presidential tenure beyond two terms.
“I, Ambassador Essa Bokarr sey, am hereby making it categorically clear that I do not support a 3rd term agenda for the incumbent neither will I ever support it for any future leader in the Gambia, inshaa allah,” he said.
He further urged his supporters and like-minded individuals to stand against any move to extend presidential terms.
“To people I share the same principle with, to my audience, viewers, fans, followers and admirers if you believe in my mission, vision and principle per what you have been hearing from me all these years or what remains the connect between us, I call on you not to support a third term agenda for the incumbent in the Gambia or future leaders who want to be pushing a similar agenda.
Sey highlighted concerns raised by experts, noting that the failure to introduce or respect term limits, along with efforts to extend presidential tenure, has been a major cause of political instability in West Africa.
“Driven by passion and guided by principle!!! I want to be on record. I do not support a 3rd term agenda for the incumbent in the Gambia, and I will never support it for any other leader who comes after the current one,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing national debate following President Barrow’s recent announcement on QTV, where he signaled his intention to seek a third term. While Barrow has publicly expressed support for term limits, he argues that his continued leadership is crucial for the survival of his National People’s Party (NPP).