Gloomy future for the opposition - Says Turo Darboe

The campaign manager of the APRC in the Kanifing Municipality, Momodou Turo Darboe has asserted that the ruling government’s victories in the past elections have indicated that there is no room for opposition in The Gambia.

His comments followed the January 24 local government elections in which the APRC won a landslide victory including the two mayoral seats of Banjul and Kanifing and over a 100 councilor positions (54 of which went unopposed).

The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) secured three seats, the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) won one seat; the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) won one seat while eight other wards were won by independent candidates.

According to Mr Darboe, "people have begun to realise that the APRC is the only serious and action-oriented party that can change their lives for the better. Since the Gambian opposition has failed miserably, we should not allow ourselves to be misused."

In the Kanifing Municipality in particular, where he leads the APRC campaign team, Darboe expressed appreciation to the electorate for turning their backs on the opposition; enabling the APRC to win 15 out of the 17 seats contested.

He predicted that the APRC will continue to gain momentum over its opponents while the opposition will continue to lose popularity.

He said, "The Gambia is not the right place for the opposition to achieve their objectives. It is never too late for them to join the APRC and become bonafide members. I urge their few remaining supporters to come on board so as to contribute to the growth of the party and the country rather than being enemies of progress."

He reiterated his appreciation to the Gambian leader, Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, for the confidence bestowed on him to head the campaign team.

Darboe also thanked the electorate for their loyalty and lauded the assistance from individuals and business organizations towards the success of his campaign, and wished all the councilors and mayors a successful tenure in office.

The victory celebrations of Yankuba Colley, the mayor-elect, Kanifing Municipal Council and the 15 APRC councilors will be held on Saturday, February 16 at Buffer Zone, Tallinding. The event will include the presentation of prizes to the ward and constituency that recorded the highest voter turnout for the APRC in the Kanifing Municipality.