Momodou Sabally has said he would challenged his disqualification from April election in the court. 

Sabally, a former minister and ally of ex-president Jammeh, was seeking to contest the parliamentary elections under the banner of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). 

But his nomination submission was rejected yesterday by the Independent Election Commission (IEC). 

The IEC said Sabally was not qualified to contest the election as he was barred from holding public office. 

“According to section 91 (e) is clearly stated that because you have been adversely mentioned at the [Janneh] Commission and at subsequent process you’ve been disqualified from standing as a candidate,” an IEC officer told Sabally.

However, Mr Sabally replied: “but I have appealed against the adverse finding of the commission and that process is on. 

“So, what authority do you have to override a process that is higher than you constitutionally, the appeal court of the Republic of The Gambia.”

Sabally continued: “I don’t think you have the right to do that. I think you are abusing your office and that’s completely unacceptable in a democratic transition. 

“I think you are being used as a tool to oppress an innocent Gambian who has not been found by any court of law. I am not ready yet; we will continue the process at the court of law.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba