President Adama Barrow has warned the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) and others not to underestimate his support base ahead of next year’s presidential election. 

The president told a political rally in Brufut on Saturday that opposition supporters were joining his National People’s Party in large numbers.

“When I decided to wear my own shirt, I had said loudly that you may own your party and you will be right, but it would be a lie to say ‘I own the people’.

“This is why supporters from all parties are cross-carpeting to the NPP and there is a reason for that. They’re coming to NPP because they have seen something.”

The president continued: “I know Gambians love the NPP and I want those in the party to open their arms for people to join them to build this country because whether we like it or not, this is our country and we should unite and build it together.”

Mr Barrow said he was confident of a second term despite the crowded political field with lots of contenders trying to defeat him at the polls.

He said his development work for the Gambian people would be clear to the voters, adding that by next year he would have accomplished many good things for the country.

Meanwhile the president told the people of Brufut that his road construction pledge would soon be a reality.

“The money is already here and the road is being surveyed and very soon I will come back here to lay the foundation,” he said.