Almameh Gibba Submits Presidential Nomination Papers, Pledges National Unity and Security Reforms

National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has submitted his presidential nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), seeking to contest the December 5, 2026 presidential election as an independent candidate under the No To Alliance movement.

Gibba, who was accompanied by supporters, addressed journalists shortly after submitting his papers, declaring that his ambition was driven by a commitment to national unity, self-sufficiency, security and improved governance.

In his remarks, he emphasised his Gambian identity, distancing himself from ethnic divisions and pledging to represent all citizens regardless of their background.

“I am a Gambian and I represent Gambians. I will stand for Gambians,” he said, listing several ethnic groups in The Gambia to reinforce his call for national unity.

Outlining his proposed priorities, Gibba identified national cohesion, improved healthcare, food self-sufficiency and electricity infrastructure as key areas he intends to address if elected president.

He advocated a return to the principle of “grow what you eat and eat what you grow”, arguing that the country must strengthen its capacity to produce food and reduce dependence on imports.

He also pledged to prioritise national security, saying the country’s security infrastructure would not be compromised under his leadership.

Responding to questions about his association with former President Yahya Jammeh, who has been implicated in human rights violations documented by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), Gibba said he was also personally affected by abuses committed during the former regime.

He alleged that his brother, Campbell Abba, was murdered in front of a military barracks, while his uncle was tortured during an attack in Kanilai.

Gibba said his proposed administration would pursue national reconciliation while ensuring that victims whose experiences were overlooked during the TRRC process would have an opportunity to be heard.

He maintained that former President Jammeh and others implicated in past abuses should also be given an opportunity to present their accounts, as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and rebuild the country.

“We will make sure all these elements will be brought to the table, including the former president and people who were left behind,” he said, describing his proposed approach as one centred on reconciliation, rebuilding and national regeneration.

On security sector reform, Gibba criticised what he described as gaps in the country’s legislative framework, arguing that several important security-related bills, including those concerning the police, prisons, immigration and drug enforcement, had yet to be adequately addressed.

He said his experience in the National Assembly had exposed weaknesses in the country’s security infrastructure and pledged to make legislative and institutional reforms a priority.

On Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gibba rejected the suggestion that he had advocated the practice, insisting that his position concerned what he termed female circumcision rather than FGM. He declined to elaborate further on the distinction during the exchange with journalists.

He also pledged to revisit efforts to account for the assets of former President Jammeh, saying he had previously advocated for the recovery of those assets during his time in the National Assembly but believed the matter had not received sufficient attention.

Gibba said his administration would pursue accountability to ensure that every penny of public assets was accounted for.

His submission marks another development in preparations for the December 5, 2026 presidential election, with his candidacy now subject to the IEC’s review and approval.