Halifa Sallah, leader of People’s Democratic Organisation and Independent for Socialism (PDOIS), has announced his last bid for the nation’s presidency after he filed his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission.

Speaking to reporters at the IEC headquarters in Mile 7, the veteran politician said: “I have reached the pinnacle of participation of my political process.

“I am going to be honest that I am going to be direct and I am going to tell you to know that this is the final battle of ideas, final battle of programme.”

Sallah however dismissed politicians with the idea of eradicating poverty through their budgets, describing the idea as deceptive and ignorant.

“…this is deception, no budget can eradicate the poverty of your people. If anybody tells you that is an ignorant person,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shiekh Tijan Hydara, leader of GANU party earlier filed his nomination papers to IEC days after falling out with Pro-Jammeh APRC faction.

He denied signing any alliance with the breakaway APRC group.

The lawyer and former justice minister found himself in a awkward situation after he attempted to deposition his nomination fee in US Dollars instead of dalasi which was rejected by the electoral body. 

And a photographer had to come to Shiekh Tijan Hydara rescue with 10,000 dalasis.

Later to be nominated was the former army officer, Alieu Sowe, who leads Gambia Action Party, which has suspended their party leader Ousianou Musa Yali Batchilly for endorsing President Adama Barrow.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba