Momodou Bah, the leader of the African Federalism and Republican Orientation Movement (AFRO Movement) and presidential aspirant for 2026 elections, has said President Adama Barrow’s third-term bid undermines democracy and signals leadership failure.
The AFRO movement leader was speaking during an interview with SeniGambia online newspaper on Monday.
“President Adama Barrow’s decision to seek a third term is not only a blatant disregard for democratic principles but also a clear indication that he has nothing new to offer to the Gambian people,” Mr Bah said.
Under President Barrow, he opines, the Gambia remains plagued by economic hardship, youth unemployment, a broken healthcare service delivery and weak institutions.
Barrow’s justification as wanting his young party to thrive for his seeking to stay in power is described by the AFRO Movement leader as both “self-serving and unpatriotic”. “No true leader builds a party around themselves; instead, they build strong institutions that can thrive beyond their tenure,” he said.
Mr Bah also indicated that Barrow came to power on the promise of reform, good governance, and the restoration of democracy.
However, he said, after two terms, The Gambia remains plagued by economic hardship, youth unemployment, a broken healthcare system, and weak institutions.
He argued that if Barrow truly had the nation’s best interests at heart, he would focus on strengthening democratic institutions rather than entrenching himself in power.
“If he (Barrow) had achieved anything substantial in his previous and current terms, he would not need to cling to power under the pretext of protecting his party,” he stated.
He said Barrow’s belief that his party could not survive without him “only proves he has failed” to establish a democratic structure within his own political organization, let alone in the country.
“The president’s excuse exposes a dangerous mindset the idea that personal ambition should come before national progress,” he perceives, saying leaders who refuse to step aside when their time is up are the very ones who hinder growth, innovation and generational change.
“According to the information I have received, his party is already crumbling,” he alleged, noting: “Infighting has taken over, with leaders battling for succession many of whom lack the intellectual capacity to lead this country.”
He estimated that the internal collapse would become public knowledge, further exposing the deep structural weaknesses within Barrow’s political organization. “A party that cannot govern itself cannot be trusted to govern a nation,” he affirms.
According to him, The Gambia needs fresh ideas, bold leadership, and a government that prioritizes national development over personal political survival.
Moreover, he said, the Gambian leader Barrow has had two terms to prove himself, and the results speak for themselves, as his administration “has failed to deliver” meaningful change.
The AFRO Movement leader calls on President Barrow to step aside and allow the country to move forward, saying The Gambia deserves better.
