I will only align with politicians I can vouch for: Independent aspirant
I will only align with politicians I can vouch for: Independent aspirant By Jankey Ceesay Independent presidential candidate and National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang Karanai, Hon. Bakary K. Badjie, speaking to The Point Newspaper says he will only go in an alliances he can vouch for ahead of the 2026 presidential election, insisting that any partnership must be built on sincerity, honesty and commitment to the national interest. Hon. Badjie said while several politicians, parties and independent candidates are aligning with the ruling party as the election approaches, he has remained focused on building his own political platform. He said he would only consider working with a political figure whose character he can account for, insisting that money or political strength alone would not determine his decision. “I cannot align with anyone. If I can align with anyone, that individual must be sincere, must be honest, and his hands also must be clean,” Hon. Badjie said. “I must be able to account for his character. I must be able to speak for him, I must be able to defend him,” he added. Hon. Badjie said his objective is to be a voice for the nation, regardless of whether his position attracts immediate support. “It does not matter whether the people understand it or not, it does not matter whether the people are persuaded or not, but then it matters that someone, somewhere, must be able to see things as they are,” he said. He said his campaign is already gathering support, claiming that more than 3,000 nomination forms have been collected, while his team is working towards submitting more than 8,000 forms. Hon. Badjie also linked his presidential ambition to his experience as a minority lawmaker, saying his position in the National Assembly has limited his ability to effect the changes he wants. He cited the absence of an adjournment debate for about a year as an example, arguing that that is not progress. Beyond parliament, Hon. Badjie criticised the use of state resources, particularly the distribution of state lands to MPs, cabinet ministers and the vice president. He said such lands should instead be used for hospitals, schools, industries and other development projects. Badjie also called for better use of government loans and investment in public services, warning against continued borrowing without proper utilisation of the resources. During a recent tour of five European countries, including Italy, Greece, Germany, Denmark and Spain, Hon. Badjie said Gambians in the diaspora raised concerns over their inability to vote from abroad. He said they also expressed concerns about airport fees and other challenges faced when travelling to The Gambia. Badjie maintained that whatever political decision he makes, it will be guided by what he believes is best for the country. “It is not like, for instance, you have money that I’m going to follow you; I do not work like that,” he said.
Oct 1, 2026 • Jankey Ceesay
