Essa Faal has declared President Adama Barrow the winner of December’s presidential election, more than two months before Gambians go to the polls.

The APP-Sobeyaa leader made the claim at State House as he formally joined Barrow’s NPP-led Grand Alliance, arriving with a large delegation of supporters.

Faal told the gathering he was no longer thinking about the presidential contest because, in his view, the outcome had already been decided.

“Now the election is over and is dead and buried. I’m no more thinking about the election because Adama Barrow has already won the election,” Faal said.

His declaration came as he publicly threw his political weight behind Barrow after previously criticising the president.

Faal said he had considered other coalition options but ultimately chose to join Barrow because of what he described as his love for The Gambia.

“After observing things I chose not to join other coalition and I decided to join Barrow because I love The Gambia,” he said.
He also dismissed suggestions that money had influenced his decision.

“No one gives me money,” Faal declared.
The APP-Sobeyaa leader acknowledged his past criticism of Barrow but said political disagreements should not stand in the way of cooperation.

“I have criticised President Barrow on a number of cases but that doesn’t mean I hate him,” he said. “But all was politics. When it is time to work, let’s come together and work.”

Barrow welcomed Faal and his delegation, telling the former presidential candidate: “Everyone has his day and today is your day.”
The President called for unity between Grand Alliance members and APP-Sobeyaa supporters and urged other Gambians to join the alliance.

“We have nowhere other than The Gambia,” Barrow said.

Faal also hit back at critics of his decision, accusing them of resorting to insults and lies.

“They know they can’t win and they turn to insults and lies,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba