Despite this, he pledged loyalty to President Adama Barrow, praising his leadership and commitment to unity, peace and stability of the country.
Speaking on Sunday at NRP rally in Lumen Sanjal, North Bank Region, Mr. Bah said his aspiration for the presidency dates back to September 9, 1996, and remains “solid, firm, and unshakable.”
“My presidential ambition from the 9th of September 1996 remains solid and firm in me. My desire to be president is unshakable, and I am committed to that cause. I will not mortgage my ambition for anybody,” he said.
Bah emphasised that his party, NRP, will support Barrow's 2026 presidential bid while maintaining its independence and identity. He stressed the importance of mutual respect in political alliances and defending his party's interests.
Mr. Bah added that the NRP remains grateful to President Barrow for fostering unity and cooperation among coalition partners, assuring him of the party’s “unshakable” loyalty as they work together toward the 2026 presidential election.
“What we have is working together, cooperation, and collaboration as two political entities moving in the interest of Adama Barrow to be president in 2026,” he said.
He vowed to defend the interests of his party and its supporters, noting that any political alliance must be based on partnership and reciprocity.
Mr. Bah further stressed that while supporting President Barrow, he would not allow his party or its members to be undermined within any coalition or political arrangement. He said cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect and recognition.
“President Barrow has shown me all the characteristics of good leadership; therefore, I cannot renege on my commitment to support his presidential ambition,” he said.
Despite reiterating his long-standing presidential ambition, Mr. Bah expressed his loyalty to President Barrow, whom he praised for demonstrating leadership marked by “honour, respect, and dignity.”
The NRP was a member of the 2016 opposition coalition that brought President Adama Barrow into power, ending the 22-year rule of former President Yahya Jammeh. Since then, Mr. Bah has been a prominent figure in the Barrow administration, having served as Minister for Tourism and Culture before his current appointment as Minister for Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs.
