Politics

Senegal’s president fights for mandate in parliamentary race

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

By Anait Miridzhanian and Portia Crowe

DAKAR (Reuters) – With fireworks displays, packed rallies, and town-to-town caravans, Senegalese political parties are wooing voters in a parliamentary race that will decide the extent to which the new president will be able to implement his agenda.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been under pressure to make good on promises to crack down on corruption and improve livelihoods that helped sweep him to power in April following a landslide election victory the previous month.

Faye has accused lawmakers in the opposition-led national assembly of refusing to engage in meaningful talks on the budget and other proposals and dissolved parliament last month, paving the way for the legislative election on Nov. 17.

Campaigning officially kicked off on Sunday. Faye’s Pastef party is competing for a majority that would secure his mandate, but former ruling parties have formed a rival coalition that unites the country’s influential ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade.

“This election has symbolic significance,” said political analyst Mamadou Seck. “The critical challenge today is for Diomaye Faye to understand whether the people who elected him with 54% still support his programme.”

Earlier in October, the government unveiled an ambitious 25-year development plan that Faye promised would boost local industry, diversify the economy, and create much-needed jobs for the West African country’s fast-growing population.

The main threat to Pastef’s ambitions is the unexpected alliance of Sall’s Alliance for the Republic party (APR) and Wade’s Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), who together accounted for 106 of 165 seats in the outgoing national assembly.

“This is the first time Pastef has decided to run alone, without a coalition. It appears that they are testing their strength and influence,” said analyst Seck, cautioning that the party had also recruited one-time allies of Sall in an effort to shore up support.

The race also includes two smaller opposition coalitions represented by former Prime Minister Amadou Ba and mayor of the capital Dakar Barthelemy Dias.

“I wish all Senegalese and all political actors a peaceful and dignified electoral campaign, and I guarantee that … the best will win,” Faye said on national TV on Friday.

(Writing by Anait Miridzhanian and Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Jessica Donati, William Maclean)

Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

1 week ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.