The Gambia’s first ruling party, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been hit by leadership crisis following Fatoumatta Njai declaring herself leader and secretary-general of PPP at a news conference on Monday.
Njai, who walkout of party congress on Saturday claiming that the process was fraudulent, while the congress went ahead and elected Kebba Jallow as party leader and secretary-general held in Brikama-ba.
Readers will recall that PPP congress election between Bakary Bunja Dabo and Papa Njie ended in crisis with election challenged in court by people close to Mr Dabo. However, Darbo move on to establish that Gambia For All party, the political he head as leader and secretary-general.
Njai vowed that the process was fraudulent and she was rejecting it.
“To this effect, we the undersigned reject the constituted executive and demand for fresh elections to be held. Meanwhile, we’re here to tell you that we have established alternative executive pending proper free and fair elections. And to that effect, I declare myself the party leader and the secretary-general of the PPP,” she said.
She pointed out that lack of trust is hindering the growth of People’s Progressive Party.
“I therefore strongly believe that a responsible leader should not wait to be asked for such. As a political party and a government in waiting one must be seen to be transparent and ready to be held accountable, demonstrating responsible leadership whilst at the same time building trust. Absence of trust, as we all know, does enable growth and I am convinced that this is what holds this party back,” she said.
“The lack of trust has been manifested at the just concluded congress and has demonstrated that the love our people have for this party has been lost in transition. This is epitomized by lack of genuineness and sincerity in leadership. Leaders should inspire and not be timid to talk to delegates,” she also argued.