President Adama Barrow has warned Gambians against believing Lawyer Ousainou Darboe’s promise to serve only one term if elected president, saying that the veteran opposition politician would remain in office beyond five years.

Speaking during the inauguration of new road projects in Tintinto in the Upper River Region, Barrow accused opposition politicians of downplaying the development projects carried out under his administration despite benefiting from them.

The Gambian leader said opposition parties are engaging in coalition politics ahead of the 2026 presidential election, but questioned the sincerity of Darboe’s pledge to step down after one term.

“They are talking about forming coalition and my father, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, even said he would rule for only five years, but he is just politicking. He is fooling other parties to get to power with that claim,” Barrow said.

“But if you mistake to elect him to power, he would overstay. He will rule beyond five years,” he added.

Barrow also defended his government’s development record, particularly in infrastructure and electricity expansion, while accusing opposition figures of making misleading claims about the state of the country.

“Even the opposition talking about coalition know that The Gambia has changed because the roads they ply on when coming for campaign were constructed by my government. The electricity they are using is by my government,” he said.

The President’s remarks come amid growing political discussions around possible opposition coalition talks ahead of the next presidential election.

By Adama Makasuba