The Inspector General of Police has turned down the permit request of the United Democratic Party (UDP) to hold a protest against Momodou Sabally’s nomination rejection.

Last week, the Independent Electoral Commission rejected Momodou Sabally’s bid to run for Busumbala Constituency in April parliamentary elections.

The IEC said that Sabally, a former minister and aide of ex-President Yahya Jammeh, has been banned from holding public office after being adversely mentioned in the Janneh Commission of Inquiry on corruption and malpractices during the Jammeh regime. 

But the UDP is challenging the electoral body’s decision describing it as “wrong” and “politically motivated”.

Senior UDP official Ebrima Dibba recently wrote to the Inspector General of Police seeking a permit to protest against Mr Sabally’s rejection.

However, the Inspector General of Police Abdoulie Sanyang through his assistant Ebrima Bah said in a letter to Mr Dibba that: “Reference is made to your letter dated 11th March, 2022 requesting for a permit to hold a peaceful protest as per your request. 

“Accordingly, this Office writes to inform you that your request is not granted due to security reasons.  Your cooperation and understanding in this regard is highly solicited.”   

Reporting by Adama Makasuba