Sainey Jabbie, a Finland-based Gambian and member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), stated that half of the Gambian population does not approve of President Adama Barrow’s leadership. In Jabbie's view, this explains why President Barrow is attempting to form alliances with political rivals ahead of the 2026 presidential election, raising serious questions about his political strategy and confidence in his own record.

Sainey wrote

In the history of Gambian politics, President Adama Barrow is the first sitting president to have placed such a strong emphasis on political deals and alliances with former rivals as a strategy for winning an election. Former presidents Sir Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh pursued different political strategies during their respective periods in office.

Barrow’s reliance on coalitions with opposition politicians can reasonably be questioned. If a sitting president believes his record is strong and enjoys broad public support, why is it necessary to continually pursue political alliances with former opponents?

More importantly, what guarantees do politicians joining the NPP have that President Barrow will honor the agreements made with them? His political history raises legitimate questions about whether political promises and alliances will be maintained when circumstances change.

There are several issues that deserve public discussion:

1. The UDP and Barrow’s political rise

President Barrow became president with the support of the UDP and other political forces. Today, however, his government and political movement are engaged in political competition with the UDP. Disagreement over political policies is normal in a democracy, but political disagreements should not become an excuse for undermining democratic institutions or political opponents.

2. The three-year promise

Barrow originally promised to serve only three years before leaving office. He subsequently changed his position and sought to remain in power. Gambians therefore have legitimate questions about the commitments he makes and whether those commitments will be respected.

3. Term limits and constitutional reform

Barrow campaigned on promises involving constitutional reform and presidential term limits. Those reforms have not produced the outcome many Gambians expected. This record deserves scrutiny, particularly as the country approaches another presidential election.

4. Former political allies

Several people who helped establish and build the NPP have subsequently fallen out with the political leadership. The treatment of former allies raises an important question: what happens to politicians who join the NPP after they have served their political purpose?

5. NPP supporters and social-media activists

Some of the individuals and platforms that were prominent in promoting the NPP during its earlier years no longer appear to have the same political role. Their experiences should be examined as part of the broader discussion about how political alliances are formed and maintained.

6. Kebba Madi Bojang

The political relationship between Barrow and Kebba Madi Bojang is another example that deserves public examination, particularly regarding the treatment of former political allies and supporters.

Politicians considering joining the NPP should therefore ask themselves some fundamental questions: What is the political agreement? What guarantees exist that it will be respected? What happens if the political interests of the parties later diverge? And, most importantly, what concrete benefit will the arrangement bring to the Gambian people?

Political parties should be built around principles, policies and national interests—not simply around access to political power, personal advantage or temporary electoral calculations.

The 2026 election gives Gambians an opportunity to examine the record of the current administration and decide what direction they want for the country. The most important issues should be the economy, employment, public services, governance, accountability, constitutional reform and the everyday living conditions of ordinary Gambians.

After years in office, President Barrow’s record should be judged by what his government has actually delivered, rather than by political promises or new alliances.

Gambians have the constitutional right to decide who should govern them. Every political party and candidate should therefore be held accountable for their record, their promises and their plans for the future.

Under any circumstances do not vote for president Adama Barrow, voting for president Adama Barrow will bring more hardship to the country.