Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has declared the December presidential election “game over” for the opposition following the formal entry of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), led by Mama Kandeh, into the NPP-led Alliance.
The development was formally marked at the grounds of State House on Wednesday, where thousands of supporters gathered to witness the political partnership between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the GDC.
The ceremony was accompanied by performances from cultural groups, creating a festive atmosphere as supporters celebrated what the Alliance described as a significant expansion of its political base ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
The GDC’s decision to join the Alliance comes against the backdrop of growing divisions among opposition parties after efforts to forge a broader opposition coalition collapsed.
Kandeh: Decision Driven by National Interest
Addressing the gathering, GDC leader Mama Kandeh said his party’s decision was guided by what he described as the national interest rather than political convenience.
Kandeh argued that responsible political leaders must be willing to cooperate when such cooperation provides the best opportunity to advance national development.
He maintained that joining the Alliance did not mean abandoning the principles on which the GDC was founded, but rather working with others toward what he said were shared national objectives.
Kandeh also urged supporters of the Alliance to work tirelessly ahead of the election, while calling on politicians and their supporters to move away from insults and personal attacks.
He said The Gambia needed constructive politics focused on development and the welfare of its people.
Barrow Welcomes GDC
President Barrow warmly welcomed Kandeh and the GDC into what he described as a growing political alliance committed to peace, stability, and national development.
Barrow said the partnership was based on a shared sense of responsibility to The Gambia rather than narrow partisan interests.
He assured GDC members that their ideas and contributions would be valued as the two sides work together, stressing that national development should be pursued without discrimination.
The President said the growing alliance demonstrated increasing political support for his administration as the country heads toward the December polls.
Barrow Challenges Darboe
In a confident and at times humorous address, President Barrow said the GDC’s decision to join his camp had fundamentally altered the political landscape and declared that the opposition’s chances of defeating him in December were effectively over.
“It is game over,” Barrow said, expressing confidence that the Alliance would secure victory in the presidential election.
He directly challenged United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe to abandon his presidential ambitions and join the Alliance.
“Pack your bags and join your eldest son,” Barrow told Darboe, referring to himself as Darboe’s political “son.”
Barrow also used humor to extend an invitation to Darboe, saying he had kept a 400-kilogramme bull ready for his “political father.”
The President joked that if Darboe decided to join him at State House, the bull would be slaughtered in celebration of their unity and partnership.
“If Ba Ousainou Darboe joins me, instead of spending huge sums on political campaigns, such resources could be redirected towards national development,” Barrow said.
Alliance Gains Momentum as Opposition Talks Collapse
The GDC-NPP partnership represents a significant political realignment ahead of the December election, particularly as attempts by opposition parties to establish a united front have failed to produce a common candidate or coalition.
Barrow’s camp has sought to portray the expansion of the Alliance as evidence of growing national support, while the opposition remains divided over strategy and leadership.
For the GDC, the decision marks a major shift from its previous position as an opposition party and places Mama Kandeh, who has twice contested presidential elections, alongside the incumbent ahead of the 2026 polls.
The State House ceremony therefore carried significance beyond the formalities of the alliance agreement. It highlighted the rapidly changing political landscape as parties position themselves for what is expected to be a closely watched presidential contest.
With less than six months to the December 5 election, the NPP-led Alliance is presenting its growing membership as a sign of political strength, while opposition parties face the challenge of overcoming their divisions if they are to mount a credible challenge to President Barrow.
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