The Day After: Sheikh Ahmad Ceesay’s Verdict on Essa Faal Joining Barrow

Yesterday, Bitilo brought together representatives of the NPP, UDP and UNITE/UMC, alongside The Standard Political Editor Omar Bah, to examine APP-Sobeyaa’s proposed alliance with President Adama Barrow’s NPP. But several critical questions remain unanswered. Why did Essa Faal—one of Barrow’s fiercest critics—choose to align with the president? Does the recurring vice-presidency question offer a clue? Can he maintain his credibility and independence inside Barrow’s coalition? And has President Barrow gained an ally while neutralising one of his most powerful critical voices? In this exclusive sequel, political commentator Sheikh Ahmad Ceesay joins Nfally Fadera for a focused one-hour conversation reflecting on the arguments from yesterday’s panel and examining what the alliance means for Essa Faal, President Barrow, the opposition and the December 2026 election. Bitilo — Leading Today’s Conversation.