By: Sainabou Sambou
Independent presidential aspirant Papa Secka has formally entered the 2026 race, declaring that “it is time to reset The Gambia” amid persistent challenges of corruption, mismanaged natural resources, insecure land ownership, and high youth unemployment.
Secka, 55, made the statement while presenting his nomination documents. He explained that he chose to run independently after reviewing the political landscape and finding no existing platform that fully matched his vision for the country.
“That is why I chose to be independent, to bring forward my agenda for the people of The Gambia and call upon people who believe in that agenda to come together and reset this nation,” he said.
Secka identified the management of natural resources as a critical national failure. He noted that fish, once readily available, had become increasingly scarce, and argued that The Gambia must reclaim control over its resources and land while enforcing transparency in the use of public assets.
On corruption, he insisted that reform must begin with personal integrity rather than rhetoric. “A thief cannot fight a thief. You have to start with your integrity first and your track record,” he stated. Secka cited his public-service experience, honesty, and commitment to national development as the foundation of his candidacy, adding that his record shows he can confront the misuse of public funds.
Addressing youth unemployment, Secka rejected treating job creation as a campaign slogan. He said sustainable employment requires industrialization supported by an enabling environment for private investment, with affordable and reliable energy as the decisive factor.
“I will ensure that the most important critical factor, which is energy, is dealt with directly to make it affordable and reasonable enough for investors to come and invest,” he said. Greater investment, he added, would generate jobs, while targeted training would equip young people with the skills to fill them.
Asked about potential coalitions, Secka said his priority remains advancing his own agenda and working with Gambians who share it. He maintained that his experience, honesty, track record, and genuine concern for national issues set him apart from other aspirants.
During the nomination proceedings, Secka confirmed he does not hold dual nationality. Some required documents remained outstanding at the time of review, including the necessary supporters’ signatures and the D5,000 deposit.
Secka’s proposed agenda centers on reclaiming and transparently managing natural resources and land, enforcing accountability, driving industrialization through reliable energy, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for young Gambians.
