UMC National Campaign Manager Mc Cham Jr has fired back at NPP National Youth President Momodou Sabally, accusing him of political opportunism and hypocrisy after his recent criticism of Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda.

Mc Cham Jr said Sabally was the last person who should be questioning Bensouda’s integrity or political record.

“Momodou Sabally should be the last person in The Gambia to accuse Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda of corruption,” he said. “His attack is not a serious political argument. It is the angry noise of a desperate man who knows that his political relevance is fading.”

The UMC official also accused Sabally of changing political allegiances over the years in pursuit of personal interests.

“He now wants to present himself as a defender of loyalty, honesty and principle, but Gambians know his record too well,” Mc Cham Jr said.

Defending Bensouda, he argued that the mayor made significant contributions to the UDP during his time in the party.

“Talib Bensouda has contributed enormously to the UDP. He gave his time, his resources and his energy to the party when it mattered,” he said.

Mc Cham Jr further alleged that Sabally’s latest attack was motivated by concern over Bensouda’s growing political profile, pointing in particular to his recent invitation by Senegal’s ruling party, PASTEF.

“The truth is that Sabally and his camp are unsettled. Mayor Bensouda’s invitation by PASTEF to attend their congress has clearly shaken them,” he claimed.

The UMC campaign chief also accused Sabally of attempting to divert public attention from the country’s electricity challenges.

“Instead of holding his failed government accountable, Sabally is busy throwing insults at Talib Bensouda to distract people from the corruption, waste and incompetence that have crippled the system,” he said.

The exchange marks the latest escalation in a growing political feud between supporters of Bensouda and Sabally following the mayor’s recent Eye Africa TV interview.

Sabally had earlier accused Bensouda of abandoning politics after the 2021 presidential election and returning only after the UDP regained momentum.

Bensouda has not publicly responded to Sabally’s allegations, while Sabally is yet to react to Mc Cham Jr’s latest remarks.

By Adama Makasuba