National Reconciliation Party (NRP) leader and Minister of Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, has declared that President Adama Barrow remains the preferred candidate for the 2026 presidential election, reaffirming his loyalty to the incumbent and calling for unity within the ruling alliance.

Speaking during a political engagement in Saloum, Hamat Bah said his relationship with President Barrow is stronger now than at any other time, stressing that he has no intention of betraying or undermining that relationship.

“Our candidate for 2026 is Adama Barrow. My relationship with Adama Barrow is stronger now than before, and he knows that and I know that also. Therefore, I will never betray him and I will never allow anything to sever our good relationship. I only want us all to remain united,” he said.

His remarks come barely a week after he publicly stated that his presidential ambition remains unshakeable and that he would not mortgage it to anyone, including President Barrow and the National People’s Party (NPP).

The earlier comments had sparked speculation about possible cracks within the governing coalition and the future political direction of the NRP.

In Saloum, however, Hamat Bah sought to calm those concerns, emphasizing that political ambition should not be confused with disloyalty or division.

He said unity among coalition partners is essential for national stability and development, noting that internal conflicts only weaken collective progress.

By Adama Makasuba