Highflying presidential hopeful, Mamma Kandeh, last week had his nomination for president endorsed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Mr Kandeh was told by the chairman of the Commission that his candidacy can proceed as he had come through on all requirements advanced by the Gambian constitution.

The opposition Gambia Democratic Congress party leader’s nomination came at Election House along the Bertil Harding Highway in Kanifing.

Mr Kandeh was in the company of his beautiful wife, Anna Camara, party chieftains and supporters.

As usual, the GDC battle axe captured the attention of everyone as he radiated charisma.

In an encounter with journalists shortly after being cleared, Mr Kandeh hammered home his party’s peace message, calling on all political parties to safeguard the country’s peace.

He said:” “GDC is a party that respects everybody’s dignity and rights, and we are non-violent people and our message is always peace.”

The former National Assembly member, who was expelled from the ruling APRC party in 2013, added: “I, therefore, urge all political parties to maintain the same spirit... The election is just a number of days and is done. And after all, we are Gambians and we will remain Gambians.

“We are also one family and The Gambia is too small for us to create violence within us; it is something that we don’t need.”

Going by the large crowd at Election House, it was easy to acknowledge the growing popularity of Mamma.

He has an almost cult-like following and his supporters are from different regions in the country.

“I like Mamma. He is likeable,” said one Lamin Njie.

The Jimara-born politician’s popularity is as a result of his ability to make his message resonate with voters, one political commentator said.

“He tells them what they want to hear. That gave him the edge,” he said.

Contrary to online reports, Mamma’s fan base has increased significantly since the launch of his party attracting supporters from other parties.