The National People’s Party (NPP) has claimed that 217 supporters of the United Democratic Party have defected to the NPP. 

A statement from NPP’s Seedy Njie, seen  by Gambiana, said: “[about] 217 youth members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) at Banyaka village, West Coast Region, have defected to the National People’s Party.”

The mass defection was announced by the group’s leader, Morro Barrow in a political rally in Jambanjelly, Kombo South, Mr Njie said.

“An elated Mr. Barrow said they, in appreciation of the unprecedented development strides of His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, decided to defect to the NPP and work tirelessly for his re-election in December, 2021.

“While assuring his team’s unflinching loyalty and support to President Barrow and the NPP, he commended Kebba Madi Bojang, the NPP National Youth President for his relentless efforts and major contributions which ultimately led to their defection,” Mr Njie added.

According to him, Minister for Information & Communication Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, commended Morrow Barrow and the youth for a wise and timely decision, adding he assured them of President Barrow’s resolve to usher in development in the area and that West Coast Region will benefit from the Government OIC Road Projects. 

The UDP has been contacted for comment.

By Adama Makasuba