By Tabora Bojang
The APP-Sobeyaa leader, Essa Faal, has said his party is considering its next course of action following its withdrawal from the CMC opposition coalition, now led by Talib Bensouda.
He revealed that the party is going to take a “step back, reflect, review and make a decision” on its next move.
Faal withdrew from the race to become the coalition flag bearer in the final hours citing alleged inducements and lack of transparency and credibility in the selection process which eventual winner UMC leader Bensouda rejected.
Following his departure, questions have now been raised as to what his next move would be, having previously opposed a party-led coalition model favoured by the main opposition UDP, which left the CMC coalition talks much earlier.
Speaking to his supporters on Facebook, Faal said even though they can go to elections alone, what would have been better and more assured is for them to work together as a unified force to challenge Adama Barrow.
“That is why we have been engaged in talks with other parties and stakeholders as well as considering the possibility of forming a coalition with Unite to win the elections. But we are going to take a step back, reflect and assess the situation, review our options and make a decision. This process is going to be scientific, governed by data and reliable assumptions. So we will sit, discuss and make a decision,” Faal said.
He further argued that the APP- Sobeyaa has a very strong candidate that people trust and believe for his truthfulness, contentment, impeccable character, integrity, record of service, education and straightforwardness. “This is the type of leader Gambians are looking for to salvage the country and that is why, everywhere you go in this country young people are declaring that Essa Faal is the solution to the problems facing Gambia,” Mr Faal said of himself.
He pledged that his leadership will end the stealing of public wealth and will not be subject to the control of any cabal, interest groups or family. “Under our leadership we will protect the natural resources of The Gambia and bring quality education system that serve the needs of Gambians and teach the values of nation building and patriotism to our children,” he said.
He also pledged that he will support market women, alleviate their sufferings, and empower farmers with free fertiliser, in addition to bringing about measures that will have immediate impact on Gambians.