The APRC national mobiliser has warned that members of the ruling party who contest elections on independent tickets will face expulsion from the party. Yankuba Touray, who doubles as the secretary of state for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, told a political gathering at Tallinding Bantaba, on Wednesday evening, that even Yai Compins who support these disgruntled independent candidates will not be spared by the sting.

He reminded APRC members that January 14 is the final date for any withdrawal, as prescribed by the IEC.

SoS Touray disclosed that some APRC Yai Compins are supporting independent candidates, because they feel their choice of candidates were not selected by the APRC party. He described such people as self-centred people who only care for themselves and not for the development of the country.

Touray lashed out at some opportunist Yai Compins who busy themselves with APRC rice and sugar gifts but do not have any interest in national development or support for the APRC party.

He added that most of the independent candidates are APRC supporters but their lack of faith forced them to contest as independent candidates. He therefore called on such independent candidates to withdraw before being dismissed from the party.

On the UDP’s participation in the local government elections, the APRC national mobiliser, renowned for his oratory prowess, said his party is not a match for the UDP in the political ring, projecting a victory for APRC in KMC.

SoS Touray called on all APRC supporters to cast their votes for Yankuba Colley for KMC mayorship. He also commended Momodou Turo Darboe, APRC campaign manager for Kanifing Municipality for his efforts and support to the party.

For her part, Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, secretary of state for Communication and Information Technology, who is one of three liaison officers of APRC in Kanifing Municipality, expressed optimism that APRC will win the mayoral seat and in all the wards in the municipality.

SoS Macdouall-Gaye also called on the supporters to rally behind President Jammeh and vote for his councillors and Yankuba Colley for more development projects.

She called on the APRC youths, women and all supporters to vote Yankuba Colley back to office, so that he can complete the development projects that he has already begun.

Addressing his supporters, Yankuba Colley, APRC hopeful for KM mayorship, said the issue of dumpsites will be history in the municipality if he is voted into office.

According to Yankuba Colley, he has already secured 25 tractors and 10 trucks, among other materials for refuse collection in the municipality, during his short tenure as acting mayor. He expressed hope that he can develop the municipality if given the mandate by the electorate.

Colley thanked SoS Touray, SoS Macdouall-Gaye, SoS Marie Saine-Firdaus, Momodou Turo Darboe and his supporters for rallying behind him and the APRC in the campaign.

Other speakers at the rally included Bala Garba Jahumpa, Gambia’s ambassador to Venezuela, Momodou Turo Darboe, APRC campaign manager for Kanifing Municipality and Fabakary Tombong Jatta, majority leader of the National Assembly, among others.