John Charles Ndow, a young church leader at the St Kizito's Catholic Church in Bakoteh, said he was surprised that Ousainou Darboe is so friendly and down-to-earth after his first meeting with the United Democratic Party (UDP) leader.

He told What’s On-Gambia: “He was at our office, Kerr Finder in Brusubi. He was so impressed that our company is owned and run by young Gambians.”

John described his encounter with the UDP leader as “just awesome.  He is so down-to-earth, honest, understanding and a good listener.”

When asked about his opinion on Darboe before the meeting, the young church leader said: “I thought he was greedy and selfish and that’s why he wants to be president. But like they say, don’t judge the book by its cover.

“I never liked him, but my 5 minutes chat with him has changed my whole opinion about him. Let’s not judge or condemn a person if we don’t know him or her.”

John is the marketing manager at Kerr Finder. He is a prominent youth leader at the St. Kizito’s Catholic Church and in his community of Dippa Kunda.