Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has expelled Bakary K. Badjie from his faction of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) following Badjie’s announcement of his presidential ambition. In an audio message sent from Equatorial Guinea to APRC supporters, Jammeh distanced himself from Badjie’s political aspirations, insisting that he had not communicated with him since the party’s executive was formed.

Jammeh stated that Badjie had been assigned a role in agricultural development alongside Abdul Jarju but had never been involved in discussions about leadership or candidacy. “I have never spoken to him about politics or his intentions. The last time I spoke to him was when he was given a role to promote agriculture,” Jammeh clarified.

The former president also defended APRC’s National Assembly members, asserting that they were unaware of Badjie’s plans and should not be accused of complicity. “If they were part of this, I would have known a long time ago,” he said, adding that misinformation about his involvement in the matter must be rejected.

Declaring Badjie’s expulsion, Jammeh stated, “As of February 24, Bakary K. Badjie is hereby expelled from APRC. There is no negotiation about it.” He urged party members to refrain from spreading accusations and to focus on unity, patriotism, and national development.

Jammeh further criticized the current state of governance in The Gambia, lamenting increasing crime rates, economic struggles, and deteriorating infrastructure. He called on Gambians to unite to “rescue the country from decline,” while reiterating his stance against foreign influence and his belief in national sovereignty.

The former leader ended his speech with an appeal for reconciliation and national development, inviting new members to join APRC while emphasizing the need for discipline and commitment within the party.