Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Badjie made the remarks while accompanying President Adama Barrow on his annual Meet the People Tour, as the president began his nationwide engagements.

Badjie defended Barrow’s support base, saying no amount of “media propaganda” will turn Gambians against the president.

He said Barrow would win a clear majority in the December 5 presidential election, attributing his confidence to what he described as the socio-economic, human and infrastructural development recorded under the administration.

Badjie’s comments followed Barrow’s send-off, where he said thousands of supporters gathered to accompany the president to the ferry terminal.

He criticised media reports that focused on a few individuals heard chanting “Barrow Down”, arguing that greater attention should have been given to the larger crowd that came out to support the president and those who welcomed him in Barra.

Badjie also urged opposition supporters to avoid deliberately provoking rival supporters at political gatherings, saying political differences should be expressed peacefully.

He said the tour continued with a well-attended meeting in Chilly before hundreds of people lined the roads in Kerewan late at night to welcome Barrow.

Badjie described the receptions as evidence of public support for the president, whom he credited with improving the lives of Gambians in both rural and urban communities.