By Adama Makasuba
Dodou Jah, deputy spokesman for APRC, has said the defection of no to alliance movement from APRC contributed to the party’s parliament election defeat in Foni.
“We had foreseen this in Foni that we could lose the election and this happened when the no to alliance members pulled themselves out of the party to form their group, it has affected the party. And the clashes between Senegalese soldiers and the rebels in Casamance which led to the displacement of some people in Foni has also contributed to the defeat because many people have seen that they are isolated by the government,” he said.
“I believe why many people didn’t vote is that they said they don’t know the candidates because people were going about their businesses and drivers were driving. We should sit and look at ourselves because if every party wants to go on its own will cost us and many people were not happy with me. What happened in this election didn’t surprise me because I had foreseen it.
“We should sit and look at ourselves. I have been saying this for a long time now, until some people are angry with me. If you are in an alliance, join and work with people. I was asked the chances of our candidates winning. I told them 50-50, I told them even the independent candidates had a better chance of winning,” he added.
“And if everyone wants to talk about his party, many people will be surprised. I said this yesterday, that’s why I’m not afraid to repeat it today. I told them what I saw coming and what happened is not a surprise to me. Let’s all understand that if we come together, it will be easier for us to win.
“I said it on one platform, I said I didn’t know who is advising President Adama Barrow, but what they are telling him is not the point. If you drag the parties in alliance, your powers will reduce. You should empower them to work for you to bring more people to you. If not, they will join others. Our alliance should come and work together and stop fighting within ourselves, that’s the only thing that will benefit all of us and President Adama Barrow,” he disclosed.