Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has confirmed that he will seek a third term in office in the 2026 presidential election, citing the need to strengthen his party and ensure its longevity in Gambian politics.
In an exclusive interview with QTV’s State of Affairs with Alieu Ceesay, Barrow gave a direct response when asked about his plans for the upcoming election. “Yes, I’ll give you a direct answer—yes,” he said, emphasizing that his decision is not just about personal ambition but about securing the future of his National People’s Party (NPP).
“My party is very young. I don’t want my party to die at an infant stage,” Barrow explained. “I don’t think we are organized enough yet to afford losing our leader at this stage.” He stated that his party members strongly believe he should continue leading the party to ensure its institutionalization.
Despite his firm commitment to running, Barrow maintained that he has nothing left to prove politically. “I defeated a dictator who ruled for 22 years. Many thought Yahya Jammeh could never be removed through the ballot box, but I did it. Then, in 2021, I defeated those who believed they had put me in power. I proved myself twice,” he said.
When asked about his chances of winning in 2026, Barrow dismissed concerns raised by public opinion surveys, particularly a 2023 Afrobarometer report that suggested 17% of Gambians believed the country was heading in the wrong direction. Instead, he referenced a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which he claimed predicted his victory.
“To me, I’m confident I’m doing a good job,” he said. “I haven’t done anything that would make the Gambian people sack me. I’m not killing anybody. I’m not abusing executive powers. We are implementing landmark projects—roads, electricity, schools, and health facilities. Salaries have increased by 110% since January.”
Barrow highlighted his administration’s economic performance, citing an increase in government revenue collection by over GMD 5 billion between 2023 and 2024. He also pointed out that the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) had exceeded its 2024 target of GMD 19 billion, with projections surpassing GMD 20 billion this year.
With confidence in his achievements and governance record, Barrow projected that he would not only win the 2026 election but possibly do so by an even larger margin than in 2021. “Maybe with a bigger margin this time. Maybe with a bigger margin this time. I will defeat my father again,” he concluded, in a cryptic remark seemingly directed at his political opponents.
Barrow’s announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be a highly contested election, as opposition parties and civil society groups continue to debate the implications of a third-term bid.
