UDP leader Ousainu Darboe has accused Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay of defending President Adama Barrow’s administration rather than acknowledging what he described as its failures.

Darboe made the remarks during an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on Monday, October 12, 2026, while discussing the government’s response to the rising cost of living and public criticism of its economic performance.

The opposition leader suggested that Ceesay would be unlikely to openly admit that the government had failed because doing so could put his position at risk.

“What do you expect him to do? You expect him to come here and admit that my government has failed? What if he did? He would be fired,” Darboe said.

He added that the minister had a job to protect, alleging that his political decisions had been influenced by the desire to secure a government position.

Darboe also referred to Ceesay’s association with the Citizens’ Alliance (CA), questioning the party’s political standing and describing several smaller political parties as fringe parties.

He argued that registration with the Independent Electoral Commission could give smaller parties bargaining power when negotiating with larger political figures.

The UDP leader also criticised President Barrow, suggesting that the president lacked confidence in his ability to contest and win an election independently.

His remarks came during a wider discussion about political alliances, government performance and the difficulties facing Gambians amid rising prices.

Darboe’s criticism reflects the political divide between the opposition and the Barrow administration, particularly over the government’s handling of economic challenges.

The minister’s comments referenced by Darboe were not independently reproduced in the interview transcript, and Ceesay’s response to the specific allegations was not included.

The allegations therefore remain Darboe’s own assessment of the minister’s political conduct.

By Adama Makasuba