Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Seedy Njie, has levelled serious accusations against the United Democratic Party (UDP), alleging that the party deployed armed militias during the last presidential election to prevent members of certain ethnic groups from registering to vote.

In an interview with West Coast Radio, Njie—also a senior official of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP)—claimed that UDP-linked operatives, described as “armed men dressed in black,” were stationed in various communities and told individuals from ethnic groups such as the Fula, Wolof, Sarahule, and Jola that they would not be issued voter cards.

“I want to ask Tombong Saidy, the mouthpiece of the UDP, what they have done in this country besides deploying militias in black uniforms who went around saying Fulas, Wolofs, Sarahules, and Jolas wouldn’t get voter cards. That is barbaric and outdated. We are clamping down on that,” Njie alleged.

The remarks have sparked widespread condemnation, particularly among UDP supporters, with many calling on the party to pursue legal action over what they describe as dangerous and defamatory claims.

In response to the backlash, Njie stood by his statements, calling the alleged actions a threat to national unity and asserting that the Barrow administration is committed to upholding peace, inclusivity, and electoral integrity.

The UDP has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.

By Adama Makasuba