The National Campaign Manager of the GDC MC Cham Jnr has fired back at his party over allegations that he endorsed the Senegalese opposition leader of Pastef Ousman Sonko as a presidential candidate.
The GDC top politician said his party got it all wrong by issuing a disclaimer against what they claimed is his endorsement of Ousman Sonko.
He said he did not endorse Ousman Sonko and has not made any statement as such.
The strongest pillar of the GDC party MC Cham Jnr said: “I am disappointed in the executive of GDC for taking such a decision without asking me or inviting me to a meeting to find out if I made any endorsement as they claimed. I wish to clarify that no one has called me regarding such claims, the GDC party also did not write to me and did not give me a copy of the press release of their so-called claims. I just saw the press release in the news like everyone else. Therefore I see this act by the GDC as pure sabotage, provocation, and utter disrespect to my personality and the position I occupy as National Campaign Manager of the party. It is very unfair to me and this is unprofessional.“
Below we reproduce the full reaction of MC Cham Jnr.
My Reaction to GDC’S disclaimer and so-called claims of my endorsement of Senegalese presidential candidate Ousman Sonko
I wish to respond to the press release dated 14th March 2023, issued by my party the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) which claimed that I endorsed Ousman Sonko, Senegalese presidential candidate, and therefore distanced itself from any endorsement claims.
Firstly, I wish to clarify on record that I was officially invited by the party members of Ousman Sonko, leader of Pastef to their fundraising event which was held in Sukuta on Sunday. I attended the event but did not give any speech or statement there. I did not say that I endorse Ousman Sonko and I did not say the GDC has endorsed Ousman Sonko. Therefore, the GDC is wrong to issue such claims in the first place without proper investigation.
Secondly, I must say that I am disappointed in the executive of GDC for taking such a decision without asking me or inviting me to a meeting to find out if I made any endorsement as they claimed. I wish to clarify that no one has called me regarding such claims, the GDC party also did not write to me and did not give me a copy of the press release of their so-called claims.
I just saw the press release in the news like everyone else. Therefore I see this act by the GDC as pure sabotage, provocation, and utter disrespect to my personality and the position I occupy as National Campaign Manager of the party. It is very unfair to me and this is unprofessional.
The GDC, like all other parties, is guided by a Constitution and set of rules for all the members, especially the executive. If I had violated the party’s Constitution, then they should have said it and can take the necessary disciplinary measures against me but I did not violate the party’s Constitution, so why are they cooking up such false allegations against me?
This is the least act of sabotage I expect to come from the GDC. It is undone and they are wrong. I hope they will rectify their mistake soon.
Those who know me can attest to the fact that I have always been advocating for foreigners to stay away from Gambian politics. Therefore, I will not interfere in foreign politics.
MC Cham Jnr
National Campaign Manager
GDC
