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Written by: Dawda Baldeh
Colonel Musa “Falcons” Jammeh, a candidate in the upcoming Gambia Football Federation (GFF) presidential election, has accused the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG) of bypassing the GFF Electoral Committee by organising what he described as a “controversial” candidates’ debate.
Last month, SJAG hosted a special debate for candidates seeking GFF executive positions ahead of the federation’s August elections, which will see long-serving president Lamin Kaba Bajo step down.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Eye Africa TV, Jammeh, who is contesting under Team Kaba, said his team received and acknowledged the invitation but declined to participate because, he claimed, the GFF Electoral Committee had not been formally informed.
“We must respect institutions. The debate is for the GFF presidency, and I believe anything relating to it should receive the endorsement of the GFF Electoral Committee because it oversees all matters concerning GFF elections,” he said.
“Not even the courtesy of informing the GFF Electoral Committee was extended. I believe in rules and procedures. Regardless of the situation, we should respect institutions.”
Jammeh also accused SJAG of bias in the election process.
“It is no secret that we are aware of the positions of most of the organisers regarding the candidates. What is so difficult about notifying the appropriate body about a debate concerning the election of that body’s president?” he asked.
Drawing a comparison with national politics, Jammeh questioned whether such an approach would be accepted in a presidential election.
“Is it conceivable that a presidential debate for Gambian presidential candidates could be organised without the formal authorisation or knowledge of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)? That would seem very absurd to me,” he said.
Jammeh said his team waited until the day of the debate to see whether the Electoral Committee would be informed before ultimately deciding not to attend.
“That is why we waited until the day of the event to see whether that communication had been made. When it became clear it had not, we had no choice,” he said.
He added that a formal response was sent to the organisers after the debate explaining the reasons for his team’s absence.
Jammeh maintained that involving the GFF Electoral Committee in organising the debate would have ensured a fairer process, adding that he remains willing to participate in any debate conducted through what he considers the proper channels.
