The National People’s Party (NPP) has dismissed claims that its leader held negotiations with Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, allegedly offering him the positions of Vice President and Minister of Trade.

The denial follows a widely circulated interview featuring KMC official Kemo Bojang, who alleged that he attended a meeting during which the NPP Secretary General and Party Leader made the offer to Mayor Bensouda.

In a statement issued on 22 February 2026, the NPP categorically rejected the claims, describing them as false and without basis.

The party stressed that it has never entered into negotiations or discussions with Mayor Bensouda regarding joining or aligning with the NPP.

“At no time has the Party Leader met or offered such positions to him or to any individual under such circumstances,” the statement read.

The ruling party further clarified that since 2021, no member of the NPP has been authorised to negotiate with any individual or political entity on matters relating to the position of Vice President.

It added that any person claiming to have engaged in such discussions did so without the knowledge or approval of the Party Leader and the party leadership.

According to the NPP, official negotiations, when deemed necessary, are conducted strictly by a team formally appointed by the Party Leader.

The party emphasised that no such team was ever constituted in relation to Mayor Bensouda.

The NPP maintained that while it continues to mobilise political support through its established structures, all engagements must remain consistent with official party policy and directives.

In a separate development, the party expressed appreciation to Adama Barrow for launching the NPP Women’s Enterprise Fund, describing the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening women’s socio-economic participation within the party and national politics.

By Adama Makasuba