Former President Yahya Jammeh has set the end of October as the deadline for revealing the APRC No to Alliance movement’s presidential candidate, while promising to unveil a fresh political vision for The Gambia.

Addressing supporters at the launch of the movement from his base in Equatorial Guinea, Jammeh said he would return before the end of October to make the announcement.

He said the movement should remain focused on national interests and reject tribal and personal divisions as it prepares for the December 5 presidential election.

“Before the end of October, I will come back to address all of you,” Jammeh said.
“And tell you who is going to be the candidate for this year.”

Jammeh added that if he was unable to make the announcement himself, the movement’s executive would be authorised to announce the candidate.

The former president also promised a new political vision once the candidate is selected, saying it would build on his previous political programme.

“When we announce who is going to work, the one we are going to select, I will come up with a new vision,” he said.

Jammeh used much of his address to call for national unity, urging Gambians to put aside ethnic and personal interests.

“We are Gambians,” he said.
“Gambia is Gambia. Gambia has no surname.”

He also spoke strongly about the country’s natural resources, saying resources belonging to The Gambia should be protected in the national interest.

“What belongs to the Gambia, I will not let it go. I will bring it back at any cost,” he said.

Jammeh told supporters that The Gambia could achieve greater prosperity if citizens were prepared to sacrifice personal interests and work collectively for future generations.

He said the country should strive to become a peaceful, united and dignified nation.

The former president ended his address by urging supporters to remain committed to the movement and not lose hope as they await the candidate announcement.

By Adama Makasuba