The National People’s Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the “false and defamatory” allegations made by Mbemba Drammeh, a self-identified former supporter of the party.

In an interview with Kerr Fatu Online, Drammeh claimed that the NPP manipulated the results of the 2021 presidential election through the actions of seven individuals including himself.

The party, in a statement issued through its deputy spokesperson Seedy S.K. Njie, categorically rejected these accusations as “delusions, malicious fabrications, and complete falsehoods.” 

The NPP reaffirmed that the 2021 presidential election was a pivotal moment in The Gambia’s democratic development, widely recognized for its transparency, fairness, and adherence to international standards.

“The NPP firmly rejects these unfounded claims. Mbemba Drammeh has never held any official position within the party at any level, nor does he have any credible basis for his allegations. Our records show that he was not even present in the country during the election period, making his involvement in any purported irregularities implausible,” he said in the statement.

The NPP emphasised that it did not engage in any illegal activities or attempt to influence the outcome of the election. The party pointed out that both domestic and international observers praised the election for its integrity.

“While the NPP upholds the right to freedom of speech, as enshrined in The Gambia’s Constitution, it stressed that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the law.”

The statement reminded Drammeh that allegations of election rigging are serious and can have far-reaching consequences if not substantiated with evidence.

“The NPP calls on Mr. Drammeh to provide credible evidence to back up his claims, particularly the names of the seven individuals he alleges to have been involved. Failure to do so will only confirm the malicious nature of these accusations and may expose him to legal action under the laws of The Gambia,” the statement warned.

In closing, the NPP reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic values, transparency, and the rule of law, urging all Gambians to remain vigilant against misinformation that could undermine the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions.

By Adama Makasuba