Papa Secka declares independent presidential bid
The 55-year-old aspirant aims to reset the nation by tackling corruption and unemployment.
Papa Secka, 55, filed his nomination papers for the 2026 presidential race as an independent, saying it is time to reset The Gambia. He named corruption, mismanaged natural resources, insecure land ownership and high youth unemployment as the country's main problems, and said he found no existing party platform that matched his agenda.
Secka called the management of natural resources a critical national failure, pointing to fish that have become scarce, and said the country must regain control of its resources and land. On corruption, he said reform must begin with personal integrity and a proven track record, and he cited his public service and honesty as the basis for his candidacy. Some required documents, including supporters' signatures and the D5,000 deposit, were still outstanding when the nomination was reviewed.
Secka said he wants affordable, reliable energy to draw investors, arguing that industrialisation would create jobs and that targeted training would prepare young people to fill them. He confirmed he does not hold dual nationality. He said he would work with Gambians who share his agenda rather than form coalitions for their own sake.
Why it mattersYoung Gambians seeking jobs and investors weighing energy costs are the groups Secka's agenda names directly, and his plan depends on their support.