The race for the much talked about National Assembly by-election in Nianija constituency continues to gain momentum barely a week to go as the question as to who will emerge the winner predominates with each passing day.

The ruling APRC party and the opposition camp seem to be optimistic about their chances despite the recent withdrawal of the candidate for the Opposition National Reconciliation Party, who was reported to have been replaced by one Sally York from Buduk village.

Addressing house to house meetings in the villages of Chamen, Konteh, Njau jaha, Sinchu omar, and Wellingara, the confident looking APRC candidate, Mr Yaya Whan, accompanied by Abdoulie Jallow, the former NRP candidate expressed his conviction that the APRC will win the election hands down.

According to Mr Whan, whatever happens, he will sweep the polls come December 18th2008, because, as he puts it, he has the support of all the Alkalo’s within the 33 villages in Nianija constituency.

“The APRC under the leadership of President Jammeh deserves the support of each and every Gambian and come 18thDecember, the people of Nianija will speak under one voice, and that is to vote massively for the APRC party,” he said.

The election, slated for 18thDecember 2008 comes on the heels of the recent expulsion of Mr. Dawda Manneh, the erstwhile National Assembly Member who is currently standing trial for trafficking of 9Kg, 260 grammes of cannabis and conspiracy.

Meanwhile, The Point has learnt through reliable sources that the new NRP candidate Sally York is expected to file in her nomination form at the Janjangbureh Regional Office today 12thDecember 2008 for her nomination as the candidate to run under the opposition NRP ticket.