The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Seedy S.K. Njie, has urged residents of Old Yundum to reject the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), claiming the party would reverse national development if voted into office.

Speaking at a National People’s Party (NPP) rally in Old Yundum, Mr Njie said the December presidential election presents Gambians with a choice between sustaining peace and development or supporting what he described as a party opposed to progress.

He accused the UDP of criticising major government projects, including road construction and electricity expansion, which he said the opposition had labelled a waste of public funds.

“If the people of Old Yundum want development to continue, they should ensure they obtain their voter cards in April and vote for President Adama Barrow on December 5,” Mr Njie said.

He argued that resistance to ongoing national projects showed a lack of commitment to development, warning that a UDP-led government would take the country backwards.

Mr Njie said the NPP follows social democratic principles aimed at improving the welfare of farmers, low-income earners and vulnerable groups, adding that President Barrow’s vision is to transform The Gambia into a city-state while extending development to rural regions.

He credited the current administration with restoring human rights, strengthening governance and improving transparency and accountability in economic management.

Questioning the lack of infrastructure development between 1965 and 2017, Mr Njie asked how decades of tax revenue failed to translate into roads, electricity and schools.

He dismissed corruption allegations against the Barrow administration, arguing that visible infrastructure projects since 2019 demonstrate effective resource mobilisation.

“President Barrow is improving the lives of Gambians and is seeking another mandate in 2026 to continue this work,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba