Bakary Badjie signals interest in 2027 Kanifing mayoral race

Bakary Y. Badjie, The Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, has expressed interest in running for mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) in 2027. A member of President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party, Badjie stated that his decision to contest the seat will depend on the party’s strategy and the president’s future plans for him.

Badjie noted that his immediate priority is the upcoming 2026 presidential election, and formal declarations regarding local government elections will only follow that event.

In his announcement, Badjie criticized the current KMC Mayor, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, accusing his administration of prioritizing marketing and communication over the delivery of major infrastructure projects. Badjie specifically questioned the progress of the current council regarding road construction, waste management, revenue generation, and the relocation of the municipality’s dumpsite.