Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Kebba Madi Bojang’s appearance at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Friday to submit his nomination papers for the December 5 presidential election produced a few unexpected moments, as questions about his academic qualifications and some playful exchanges with the IEC chairman added a lighter touch to the otherwise formal exercise.
The 51-year-old leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), who previously served as National Youth President of President Adama Barrow’s ruling National People’s Party (NPP), surprised some observers by presenting his 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results during the nomination process.
That prompted IEC Chairman Joe Colley to seek clarification.
“You are 51 years old, and you sat your WASSCE last year? We will cross-check that with WAEC,” Mr. Colley remarked.
Bojang appeared unfazed by the question, responding: “No problem, sir!”
He submitted his examination results but did not provide the corresponding WASSCE certificate. The same applied to his tertiary education qualifications, for which he presented results without the certificates.
There was also a minor administrative issue involving his income tax clearance. The document he presented was issued in his business’s name rather than his personal name, leaving the requirement pending.
However, he paid the required D1 million presidential nomination fee.
The more entertaining exchange came after the IEC received his documents and Chairman Colley invited Bojang to address journalists at the podium.
Rather than go alone, Bojang suggested that his coalition partners accompany him, apparently keen to make the moment a collective appearance.
But Colley was having none of it.
He reminded the aspiring presidential candidate that he was the one seeking the presidency, not his coalition partners, and therefore had to approach the podium alone.
“If you don’t want to, it’s your choice,” Colley told him.
Bojang eventually agreed and made his way to the podium without his companions.
But just as his supporters began applauding, the chairman intervened again, making it clear that the nomination proceedings were not a campaign rally.
“This is my show. I give instructions here. I don’t want anyone to interrupt my sessions. Until I am done, then you can do your party things. Let that be clear,” Colley said, drawing attention to his control of the proceedings.
Bojang, who left the NPP in 2025 following internal disagreements and subsequently established the NDP, which was officially registered in September 2026, is among those seeking to challenge President Barrow in the December election.
For a nomination exercise usually dominated by paperwork, legal requirements, and political formalities, Friday’s appearance offered a reminder that even the most serious electoral procedures can have their lighter moments.
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