Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Hon. Dodou Jah, former Deputy Spokesperson of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), has officially declared his allegiance to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), pledging his full support for President Adama Barrow ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Jah announced his decision during an interview with journalist Pa Ndery Touray on Star FM, confirming months of speculation following his resignation from the APRC in March 2025.
In his resignation letter at the time, addressed to APRC National Chairman and Party Leader and Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Jah expressed gratitude to the party leadership and supporters for the opportunity to serve in various capacities.
“I will never regret the time and effort I exerted in the party, and my sincere appreciation goes to all APRC loyalists, fans, and well-wishers; the media houses, who at all times never hesitated for me to sound my opinion on trending issues; and the wonderful Gambian populace for their unflinching support at all times,” he wrote.
His departure from the APRC leadership had fueled widespread predictions that he would eventually join President Barrow’s NPP, which has in recent months intensified efforts to attract prominent figures from opposition parties and allied political groups.
Strategic Realignment Ahead of 2026 Polls
Jah’s formal entry into the NPP comes as the ruling party developed a hostile takeover campaign that seeks to consolidate its political base ahead of the next presidential election. Political observers say the NPP’s recruitment of influential opposition figures forms part of a broader strategy to expand its reach and weaken rival parties.
The NPP currently leads a governing coalition that includes the APRC faction aligned with its leadership, but the party’s continued absorption of opposition personalities could alter internal political dynamics and reshape alliances.
Jah, who previously served as a prominent voice within the APRC, is regarded as a politically influential figure, particularly among grassroots supporters.
His defection is expected to bolster the NPP’s mobilisation efforts, although its broader impact on the opposition landscape and coalition cohesion remains uncertain as the country moves closer to the 2026 presidential contest.
President Barrow has not publicly commented on Jah’s declaration, but the move underscores the intensifying political realignments taking shape ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched election.
