Mama Kandeh, the party leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress, has dismissed claims that he has secretly entered into an alliance with President Adama Barrow ahead of the upcoming presidential election, describing the allegations as surprising even to him.

“I heard people say I have formed an alliance with Adama Barrow, but that’s news to me,” he said, adding that if such a deal had taken place, it would have been breaking news.

However, he cautioned his critics who accuse him of signing an alliance deal, stating that he fears nothing and has every right to form an alliance with any political party in The Gambia. He urged them to respect his rights, just as he respects their right to either form or not form alliances.

“As of today, Adama Barrow has not contacted me to discuss forming an alliance. I’m not saying he won’t, because I’ve been engaging with other party leaders about potential alliances.

“Why shouldn’t Barrow call me? If he does, I will respond, and I’d be happy to announce it to the media. And if I agree to form an alliance with him, I will sign that agreement at Independence Stadium, because I fear no one when it comes to political alliances.

“I have never criticised any party for forming an alliance with another. So who are they to criticise me for doing the same?” he added.

By Adama Makasuba