Karamo Njie, the outspoken United Democratic Party (UDP) spokesman for the North Bank Region, has fiercely rejected President Adama Barrow’s recent allegations that the family of UDP leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe refused to host him and his campaign team in Bansang during the 2016 presidential election campaign.
Labeling the claims as “false and misleading,” Njie accused Barrow of attempting to tarnish the reputation of Darboe, his family, and the UDP in a desperate bid to undermine their legacy.
In a fiery response, Njie called President Barrow to “fear Allah” and retract his statements, emphasizing that the Darboe family has a long-standing history of hospitality toward UDP members. “There has never been a time in the history of UDP when the family of Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, anywhere in The Gambia, denied hosting us,” Njie declared, refuting Barrow’s claims made during an interview with Seedy Ceesay, Administrative Secretary of the National People’s Party (NPP).
Njie, a prominent UDP figure, challenged Barrow’s account of the 2016 campaign, asserting that the president’s narrative was “far from the truth.” He reminded Barrow of the sacrifices made by Darboe and his family, which he credited for Barrow’s rise to the presidency. “President Barrow should muster the courage to show gratitude to Lawyer Darboe and his family. Because of their selfless sacrifices, he occupies the seat he now uses to attack them,” Njie stated.
The UDP executive further criticized Barrow for lacking statesmanship, calling it “embarrassing” for a sitting president to make misleading statements. Njie highlighted the Darboe family’s well-known generosity, noting that they have consistently welcomed UDP supporters, “even the dogs of UDP,” let alone a presidential candidate. He recalled Barrow’s praise for the Darboe family during the 2016 campaign, when the president leveraged Darboe’s name to bolster his candidacy.
Njie dismissed Barrow’s remarks as part of a broader pattern of attacks aimed at discrediting Darboe and his family. “The Gambian people are well aware that these statements are not new. They are part of Barrow’s desperate efforts to stain Darboe’s good name,” he said. However, Njie argued that such tactics only strengthen the UDP’s resolve and support for their leader.
As the 2026 presidential election looms, Njie called on UDP supporters to remain focused on electing Darboe, urging them not to be distracted by Barrow’s rhetoric. He also appealed to all Gambians to join the UDP in their mission to end what he described as Barrow’s government’s “maladministration,” which he claimed continues to harm the country daily.
Njie’s remarks underscore the deepening rift between Barrow and the UDP, a party that played a pivotal role in his 2016 victory as part of a coalition. As political tensions escalate, the UDP remains steadfast in its support for Darboe. Njie’s fiery rebuttal signals the party’s determination to challenge Barrow’s leadership and narrative before the next election.
