By Fatou Dahaba
Two independent Presidential aspirants, lawyer Lamin J Darbo, who resigned from the National Unity Party to stand under the Team Gambia grand coalition, and Lawmaker Almameh Gibba, contesting under the APRC No To Alliance, have submitted their nomination credentials to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Wednesday as part of the formal process for The Gambia’s December 5 presidential election. Both used the occasion to outline priorities centered on governance reform, institutional accountability, and national healing.
Almameh Gibba, contesting under the APRC No To Alliance, used the media engagement after filing to set out his broader agenda if elected. He said he wants to promote national unity, improve health outcomes, restore food self-sufficiency, strengthen electricity infrastructure, and ensure the country’s security is not compromised.
On security reform, Gibba criticized the slow pace of legislative action, pointing to stalled bills affecting the police, prisons, immigration, and drug enforcement sectors. On public accountability, he said he would push for a full accounting of assets linked to the former president, arguing that every penny must be traced.
He further stated that national reconciliation in The Gambia must include not only former President Yahya Jammeh, but also victims and families he believes were ignored in previous processes. He framed his position as part of a broader effort to rebuild the country through dialogue, inclusion, and national healing.
Speaking on justice and accountability, Gibba said he considers himself personally connected to the pain of past abuses, claiming that members of his own family were victims of violence and torture. He argued that any meaningful process must allow all affected voices to be heard, including those who were not fully represented. According to him, this approach would help the country “reconcile, rebuild and regenerate” and create a Gambia that belongs to everyone.
Speaking shortly after completing the nomination process, Lamin J. Darbo told journalists that the top priority for The Gambia must be “governance, governance and governance,” stressing that without transparency, legality, and accountability, the country cannot make meaningful progress.
Responding to reporters’ questions, Darbo made clear that he is contesting as an independent candidate under the coalition, not on behalf of the National Unity Party. He said he had resigned from the NUP and that his only political commitment now is to Team Gambia.
Darbo also urged Gambians to judge him by his public record, saying people have had the chance to observe his work and positions over the past several years. He avoided direct comparisons with other candidates but presented himself as someone whose actions, legal work, and public contributions already speak for him. In his comments, he framed trust as something to be earned through consistency and visible commitment to national issues.
On policy and national direction, Darbo described himself as committed to progressive ideas that can move The Gambia forward. He argued that strong institutions and lawful governance are the key to unlocking broader development, dignity, and respect for citizens.
