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By Dawda Baldeh
The National Assembly Member for Upper Niumi, Omar Darboe, has strongly criticised the United Democratic Party (UDP), accusing his former party of hypocrisy and betrayal in the national debate over presidential term limits.
Speaking at a gathering in Njawara, the Majority Chief Whip — who broke ranks with the UDP to align with President Adama Barrow — declared that the opposition has “no moral or legal ground” to challenge the President’s bid for a third term in 2026.
Darboe’s sharpest criticism focused on the 2017 legislative session, when the UDP held a 31‑seat majority in the National Assembly. He argued the party failed to enshrine term limits into law despite having the power to do so.
“The opposition has no authority or grounds to deny President Barrow from seeking a third term,” Darboe told the crowd. “In 2017, you had 31 representatives. You had the power to change the constitution and stop anyone from seeking a third term. You didn’t do that. Instead, you changed the age limit to favor a single individual’s interests.”
His comments refer to the controversial 2017 constitutional amendment that removed the upper age limit for the presidency, widely seen as clearing the way for UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.
Warning those who oppose Barrow’s 2026 ambitions, the Upper Niumi representative struck a defiant tone: “If you are not scared to say the President cannot run, we will not be scared to push you aside. The constitution, as it stands, gives President Barrow the right to seek a third term. Anyone who didn’t support this should have changed the law when they had the chance. You chose to ignore the country’s interest for the sake of one person.”
Darboe also praised Barrow for delivering on promises in the North Bank Region, citing the construction of the Kerr Selleh road network which has reconnected isolated communities. “The roads in Upper Nuimi were once a nightmare, disconnecting our people and making life difficult,” he said. “You have lifted that burden. Your developments are visible across the country, and this is why the opposition cannot deny a victory in December 2026.”
As the 2026 polls approach, Darboe’s remarks underscore the ruling NPP’s narrative that the absence of term limits is the direct result of the opposition’s past legislative choices.
