What does Essa Faal bring to President Barrow if his decision to join the NPP costs him support within his own political base?

Written by: Seringe S.T. Touray

Barely days after APP-Sobeyaa announced an agreement with President Adama Barrow’s NPP, Faal is facing internal opposition over the decision.

Among those challenging the move are Deputy Party Leader Maila Touray, Regional Chairmen Alhagie Babou Jeng and Mbye Jobe, Deputy Chairman Saidina Kebbeh, and founding members Sir Jackal Cham and Mam Seedy Njie. Touray, Jeng and Kebbeh are also identified as founding members.

The group rejected the alliance, accused Faal of proceeding “without due process” and demanded his resignation as party leader and Secretary General. They say he should step down from his leadership positions, after which he would be free to join another political party as an individual.

APP-Sobeyaa’s leadership has rejected their position, describing the statement as unauthorised and insisting the NPP alliance was overwhelmingly approved through recognised party structures and “was therefore not Essa Mbye Faal’s personal decision.” It also says only one of the six signatories sits on the party’s Executive Committee.