The former lead counsel at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), Essa Faal has officially announced his candidacy for president on Friday at the American International University in Kanifing.

What's On-Gambia can confirm that his colleagues at the TRRC and most surprisingly chairman Dr Lamin Ceesay and deputy chairperson Mrs Adelaide Sosseh were not in attendance.

They did not respond to Essa's invitation.

A source disclosed: "Dr Ceesay is right now in the USA. I heard the old man left with deep anger against Essa. He sat him down to drop the presidential ambition but he refused."

While announcing his candidacy in front of friends and family members, the famous lawyer claimed he is the best candidate for The Gambia ahead of the December 4 presidential election.

“I believe I am second to none. I have a track record of success in everything I do,” he said.

But journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh said Essa is nothing but an opportunist who has squandered millions of Dalasi in the name of bringing former President Jammeh to justice.

A prominent lawyer, who begged for anonymity, also said: "Essa is a sellout. He failed Gambians. He abandoned the TRCCC for a selfish venture."

He added: "Essa is just too full of himself."