President Adama Barrow has declared that “the election is over” and challenged opposition leader Ousainou Darboe and other political figures to join his camp, saying he wants to go unopposed in December.

Barrow made the striking statement while addressing supporters following the latest political developments surrounding his NPP-led Grand Alliance.

The President said he had repeatedly invited Darboe to join him, referring to the veteran opposition politician as his “father” despite their political differences.

“The election is over. I have been inviting my father, Ousainou Darboe, but still he has not come because he is my father,” Barrow said.

He then appealed directly to Darboe and other political actors, framing his invitation around what he described as a commitment to The Gambia.

“If you love The Gambia, come join me so President Barrow can go unopposed,” he said.

Barrow’s remarks amount to a direct challenge to those preparing to contest the December 5 presidential election, as he seeks to consolidate political support around his NPP-led alliance.

The President also pointed to the decision of former presidential candidates Mama Kandeh and Essa Faal to join his political camp, asking why other political figures had not followed them.

“Now Mama Kandeh and Essa have joined me. What are others waiting for?” Barrow asked.

His reference to Darboe as his “father” adds a personal dimension to the political appeal, with Barrow presenting the veteran politician’s potential move into his camp as part of a wider call for political unity.

Barrow has repeatedly urged political actors to work together in the interest of national development, while his alliance has continued to attract former political rivals and supporters from other camps.

The latest remarks come as parties and political movements prepare for the December 5 presidential election, with Barrow’s NPP-led Grand Alliance seeking to broaden its support ahead of the vote.

For Barrow, however, the message at the gathering was clear: he wants more political figures to abandon competition and join his camp.

“What are others waiting for?” the President asked.