APRC leader and National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta has accused the United Democratic Party (UDP) of being responsible for many of the difficulties faced by APRC members following the 2016 presidential election.

Speaking about the APRC’s alliance with President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP), Jatta said APRC members faced harassment, discrimination and other forms of mistreatment during that period.

“We rely on only God. Because in the past, we were beaten and we faced harassment and discrimination,” he said.

Jatta said the situation began to change after political differences emerged between the UDP and President Barrow.

“But since NPP and UDP split, that was the time APRC gained freedom again,” he said.

He also recalled an attack on his residence following the councillor elections, questioning what UDP leader Ousainou Darboe said about the incident.

“We were attacked at my house, and what did Ousainou say about that?” Jatta asked.

“To be frank, many of the troubles we faced were done by UDP,” he said.

Jatta also defended the APRC’s decision to enter into an alliance with the ruling NPP ahead of the December 5 presidential election.

He said the decision was not taken behind the backs of APRC supporters, insisting that the alliance was based on consultation and what he described as honesty and truth.

“So when we join an alliance with the ruling party, they have something to say,” he said.
“We don’t do things behind our people’s approval, and our alliance is based on honesty and truth.”

By Adama Makasuba