By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Businessman Muhammed Rene, a close associate of National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Kebba Madi Bojang, has stated that the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) decision to reject Bojang’s candidacy for the 2026 presidential election was expected by many who had followed the events surrounding the politician since he left the National People’s Party (NPP).
In an exclusive interview with TAT, Rene, who was recently removed from The Gambia by immigration authorities amid accusations that he was financing Bojang’s political activities, said the rejection fitted a pattern of actions directed against the NDP leader and his supporters.
“I’m not surprised to see the IEC rejecting our presidential candidate Kebba Madi Bojang from contesting the 2026 presidential election,” Rene said. “From the very day he announced his departure from the NPP to date, all Gambians and non-Gambians bear witness to the fights launched against him and his supporters and fans, so it is least surprising to see him rejected by the IEC.”
Rene described himself as an early target of efforts he believes were intended to block Bojang from the race. He said he was “scandalously accused” of sponsoring Bojang and buying cars for him—claims he dismissed as false. He also referred to difficulties that arose when Bojang sought to distribute fertilizer to farmers, as well as what he called intimidation and threats.
On the specific ground cited by the IEC—educational qualifications—Rene argued that the decision was baseless and selective. He maintained that Bojang is academically qualified and noted that both the school and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had confirmed Bojang’s results to the commission. He contrasted this with the treatment of President Adama Barrow, whose qualifications he claimed had never been subjected to the same scrutiny.
“IEC is playing games and double standards. Why didn’t they verify and scrutinize the qualifications of President Adama Barrow?” Rene asked. He challenged the commission to examine the records at Muslim High School and confirm whether Barrow completed Form Five or sat the examination. “We are demanding similar confirmations and verification of all the results and educational qualifications of all the contestants, including President Adama Barrow,” he said.
Now based in the Middle East, Rene urged NDP supporters, members, and well-wishers to reject President Barrow and his government in the 5 December polls. He framed the call as a reciprocal response to what he described as unjust treatment of Bojang.
He further contended that if any aspirant deserved rejection in the 2026 race, it was Barrow. Citing what he called a lack of investor confidence, poor health and education services, hunger, daily looting of state resources, the sharp depreciation of the dalasi, and rising poverty that has driven young people to attempt dangerous “backway” journeys across the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the desert, Rene argued that these conditions provided sufficient grounds for voters and the IEC to turn against the incumbent.
