Speaking at a rally in Badibou, Bensouda said there was a need for leaders to do what is right for the country and its citizens, including adhering to the two-term principle.
“Adama should know that there is two-term limit in Africa,” he said.
Bensouda recalled President Barrow’s political campaign in 2016, saying Barrow had at the time accused the former president of taking the country’s resources and overstaying.
“He stood here in 2016 claiming that the former president is taking the country’s resources, and now you are here building multi-million houses,” he said.
However, Bensouda said his criticism of President Barrow was not driven by personal hostility.
“I have no ill will against Barrow,” he clarified, saying that he believed “the president has now overstayed”.
According to Bensouda, leaving office should not mean that a former president has to leave the country.
“It’s about time the president resigned and is able to stay in the country in peace,” he stated.
This could only be achieved by doing what is right for the country and its citizens, including sticking to two terms, he added.
Bensouda also urged Gambians to support Coalition 2026, saying the coalition was committed to changing the direction of the country.
“This 2026, with our partners in the coalition, God willing, we are going to State House in December,” he said.
He described the coalition as one that is owned by young people and women, arguing that empowering these groups would contribute to national development.
“This coalition should be supported because it is owned by the youth and women of this country,” he said. “We will not forget you - because if women and young people are empowered, the country prospers, and this coalition serves your best interest.
Bensouda also dismissed rumours that he was negotiating with the National People’s Party (NPP), saying that such an arrangement would not be possible.
“We are not chasing wealth or anything as such,” he declared. “We are for the development of this country, and there is no way that’s possible with the NPP.”
