Sima launches presidential bid, pledging break from “politics as usual”

By Alieu Jallow

Businessman and former government ally Modou Lamin Sima has entered The Gambia’s 2026 presidential race, unveiling his newly registered Alliance of Process Citizens (APC) party and promising a fresh approach to governance.

Sima, once a key supporter of President Adama Barrow, announced his candidacy on Friday during a press briefing at his residence. He said his decision stemmed from what he described as a long-standing and respectful relationship with President Barrow, grounded in development goals and accountability. Despite that bond, he said he had grown uncomfortable with the country’s direction.

He told journalists that he had offered support and advice to the presidency for years but became dissatisfied with the pace of progress.

“From 2021 to date, things are not moving the way we want them to move. As a man of integrity and principles, I cannot just bear it. I’m not saying they are not doing anything, but we could do far better than what is happening now,” he said.

Sima described the country as stagnant, citing heavy dependence on imports, minimal exports, and what he called an economy largely controlled by non-Gambians. He said this reality shaped the birth of the APC, which aims to shift long-standing structures and introduce a new governing approach.

“What makes this party different is that we are not only relying on politicians. We are involving technocrats. If we are elected to office, work starts the next day,” he said.

He added that the party is backed by Gambian professionals at home and abroad, whom he believes have the competence and genuine commitment to national progress.

Outlining his economic priorities, Sima said an APC government would push for foreign direct investment across key sectors, including agriculture, livestock, health, energy, and telecommunications, while ensuring Gambians play a central role in ownership and leadership.

“Our first focus is direct foreign investment because Gambians don’t have access to capital, and without that, we can never grow. Capital creates activity. When you have more business activity, purchasing power goes up. When purchasing power goes up, everyone benefits—the market seller, the pharmacy, the taxi driver, the tailor. That circulation of income is what this country is lacking,” he noted.

Sima said the APC aims to encourage local businesses, expand economic opportunities, and set the country on a more sustainable development path.

 By Alieu Jallow Businessman and former government ally Modou Lamin Sima has entered The Gambia’s 2026 presidential race, unveiling his newly registered Alliance of Process Citizens (APC) party and promising a fresh approach to governance. Sima, once a key supporter of President Adama Barrow, announced his candidacy on Friday during a press briefing at his The Fatu Network