By Arret Jatta
Talib Ahmed Bensouda has declared that no Commission of Inquiry can stop him from contesting the 2026 presidential election.
The leader of the opposition Coalition 2026, made the statement on Sunday during a political rally in Brikama, where he addressed supporters, urging young Gambians not to give up on their hopes for change.
Bensouda revealed that he had received a copy of the report of the Local Government Commission of Inquiry and claimed there was nothing in it that could prevent him from running for president.
“I have gotten my report and there is nothing there that can stop me from contesting this 2026 presidential election,” Bensouda told the crowd.
His remarks came amid growing speculation about the contents of the Commission’s report and whether government is not considering using its white paper to block him from contesting the December 5 presidential election.
According to him, the establishment of the commission of inquiry was part of efforts to weaken his political ambitions.
“They have been cooking this because they know this day is coming,” he said, while insisting that attacks against him had only made him “stronger and better.”
He also told supporters that he was ready for whatever political battles ahead.
“But no matter how they are ready for me, I’m ready for them too. Nothing can stop my candidacy in this world,” Bensouda declared to rapturous applause from the crowd.
He urged supporters of Coalition 2026 to remain disciplined during the election campaign and avoid insulting political opponents.
According to him, Gambians were losing hope but hope was returning through the opposition coalition and its alliance with other parties.
He further claimed that he has never witnessed a rally as big as his rally.
“The turnout I have seen in today’s rally, I’ve never seen a rally like this in The Gambia,” Bensouda told supporters.
He acknowledged that the December election would not be easy but called on supporters to remain focused.
Bensouda ended his address with a direct message to President Adama Barrow, predicting an end to his presidency after the December 5 election.
“Adama Barrow, goodbye. January 17th, 2027, Talib Bensouda, welcome to State House,” he boasted into a spontaneous song to which his crowd replied, ‘Yes’, Yes’, in jubilation.