Leader of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) and Minister of Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, has declared that his long-held ambition to become president of The Gambia remains firm, unshakeable, and non-negotiable.

Speaking at an NRP rally in Lumen, Bah said his presidential ambition dates back to September 9, 1996, and has remained unchanged for nearly three decades.

“My presidential ambitions from the 9th of September 1996 remain solid and firm in me, and my desire to be president is unshakeable,” he said.

“Let me make this clear: my desire to be president is unshakeable. It remains solid and sound in me, and I am committed to that course.”

He stressed that he will not compromise or trade his ambition for political convenience or alliances.

“I will not mortgage my ambition to anybody, neither to Adama Barrow nor to the NPP or any other group or individual,” he said.

Despite this firm stance, Bah was quick to reaffirm his loyalty to President Adama Barrow, describing the relationship between the NRP and the president as one built on respect.

“However, I remain loyal and committed to Adama Barrow,” he said.

“The respect the president has shown us is immense, unmeasurable, and we are ever grateful to him.”

He said the NRP respects and honours President Barrow and assured him of what he described as the party’s “sacred loyalty,” while insisting that such respect must be reciprocated by all political partners.

“When we work with partners, they need to give us the respect we deserve in this process,” he said.

“They need to honour us and respect us. Any other person that we are dealing with must reciprocate respect and honour to us.”

He also warned against actions that could destabilise the political environment, calling for discipline within alliances and urging supporters to continue mobilisation without creating unnecessary tension.

“The time has come. We must demonstrate who we are and what we are to the cause of our unity with Adama Barrow,” he said.

Turning to party organisation, Bah said the NRP has learned key lessons and must now strengthen its logistical independence ahead of future political engagements.

“We need to be more organised. We need our own generators. We need our own PA system,” he said, adding that the party must stop relying on others.

He announced plans to revive the party’s famous “Yengal Galgi” campaign machinery.
“We will bring back Yengal Galgi, inshallah with the best PA system, the best lighting system, and the best music system in this country,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba