By Yaya Dampha
NPP Diaspora Coordinator
Joshua Mendy’s attack on President Adama Barrow is not only misleading but intellectually hollow. Labeling the President as “incompetent and clueless” without a shred of evidence exposes the weakness of his argument and the poverty of his political reasoning.
Serious political commentary requires facts, data, and policy comparisons — not loud declarations designed to excite social-media echo chambers. Mr. Mendy’s prediction that Gambians will vote President Barrow out in December 2026 is unsupported by any credible poll, survey, or empirical research. It is nothing more than wishful thinking disguised as analysis.
President Barrow’s Record vs Empty Rhetoric
Contrary to Mr. Mendy’s claims, President Adama Barrow leads with a clear record of delivery, not slogans.
Under his leadership, The Gambia has:
Restored democracy, rule of law, and civil liberties after 22 years of authoritarian rule.
Reintegrated into the international community, unlocking development financing and restoring global credibility.
Recorded sustained economic growth, improved public finance management, and increased infrastructure investment.
Delivered nationwide road networks, schools, hospitals, electricity, and clean water projects that directly impact citizens’ daily lives.
Expanded access to education, healthcare, women empowerment funds, youth employment programs, and agricultural support.
Established key national reform institutions, including the TRRC, strengthening accountability and reconciliation.
These are measurable outcomes visible across the country — not theoretical promises.
The Myth of Ousainou Darboe’s “Superior Competence”
Joshua Mendy presents Lawyer Ousainou Darboe as a credible alternative based almost entirely on longevity in politics. But time spent in politics is not the same as achievement in governance.
In truth, the only clear constitutional or administrative achievement Darboe can legitimately boast of while in government was the scrapping of the 65-year age limit, a constitutional provision that prevented him from becoming Vice President and contesting for president. That amendment served personal political ambition, not national transformation.
Equally revealing is the hypocrisy surrounding electoral reform. The UDP loudly demanded electoral reforms during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship, yet failed to implement those same reforms when they controlled the National Assembly after 2017. Why? Because they were illusionally confident they would win the 2021 election without reforming the system. That arrogance cost them politically — and exposed a lack of strategic foresight.
During Darboe’s tenure as Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gambians saw no landmark policy reforms, no transformative diplomatic achievements, and no development breakthroughs that justify portraying him as a superior governing alternative.
Gambians Are More Informed Than Mendy Thinks
The Gambian electorate is not naïve. Voters no longer buy political mythology or recycled opposition talking points. They judge leadership by results — roads built, services delivered, freedoms protected, and opportunities created.
President Barrow’s support is grounded in performance and national reach, not nostalgia or personality cults. The NPP remains the most nationally rooted political movement in the country, drawing support across regions, ethnicities, and generations.
Conclusion
Joshua Mendy’s commentary reflects political bias, not serious analysis. If he believes President Barrow lacks leadership or vision, he must present facts, comparative data, and policy evidence — not insults and speculative election outcomes.
The 2026 election will not be decided on Facebook noise or recycled opposition arrogance. It will be decided by Gambians comparing delivery against failure, governance against guesswork, and proven leadership against political entitlement.
President Adama Barrow has a record. His critics have rhetoric. Gambians will decide accordingly.
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