President Adama Barrow has urged APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Mbaye Faal and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe to set aside political differences and join his National People’s Party (NPP) in the interest of national development.

Barrow made the call on Saturday during the inauguration of the 4.5-kilometre Gunjur seaside road project.

The president said political rivalries should give way to efforts to develop the country, recalling that he had previously invited Darboe, whom he described as his former political mentor, to join him.

Turning to Faal, Barrow publicly appealed to the presidential candidate to join his administration.

“The likes of Essa Mbaye Faal, I am calling you to join me. Essa Faal, come and join me to develop the country,” Barrow said.

He also urged other opposition figures to work with his government, saying the country needed peace, unity and development.

“You and the others come and join me. We want peace and the vision we have is development and how to move the country forward,” he said.

Barrow further called on NPP members to maintain unity with their political alliance partners, saying cooperation was important to advancing the country’s development agenda.