11
By Dawda Baldeh
President Adama Barrow’s nationwide Meet the People’s Tour has come under fresh criticism from opposition politician Abubacarr Bayo and Political commentator Ebrima Nyang, who accuse the government of using the constitutionally mandated exercise as a political platform ahead of December’s presidential election.
Bayo, the deputy leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), said the tour’s original purpose of assessing conditions across the country and engaging citizens was being undermined by what he described as political attacks and divisive rhetoric.
“The highest office in the country has been destroyed by Barrow because its level has been reduced to insults, tribal remarks, personal attacks and caricature,” Bayo said.
Under Section 222(15) of the 1997 Constitution, the President is required to undertake nationwide tours at least twice a year to assess living conditions and the impact of government policies.
GAP has also questioned the financial cost of the exercise. The party cited findings by the Auditor General showing expenditure on the tour increased from an approved D30 million in 2024 to D64.67 million. The government later approved D45 million for the 2025 tour and allocated D50 million for the 2026 exercise.
Bayo argued that the true cost extends beyond direct spending, noting that ministers, civil servants, security personnel and government vehicles are deployed throughout the tour.
The party is calling for greater transparency, smaller delegations and a system to track concerns raised by communities and the government’s response to them.
Political commentator Ebrima Nyang also criticised President Barrow and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), accusing them of contributing to political division.
“The Gambia is unfortunate to have Barrow as a President and NPP as a party,” Nyang said.
He further condemned alleged tribal rhetoric in politics, warning that such narratives could threaten national unity.
“Tribalism is a threat to our peace and we need a united nation,” he said.
Nyang also accused the ruling party of undermining public confidence in the electoral process, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
The criticism comes as President Barrow’s tour continues less than three months before the December 5 presidential election, with opponents arguing that the exercise should focus on addressing citizens’ concerns and demonstrating results rather than becoming a platform for partisan politics.
