During a national executive meeting and the filling of vacant positions within the party’s ranks of campaign manager and female vice president, Darboe warned his supporters to avoid amplifying the detractors assertion that Mandinka cannot be president of the country again.
“We should not allow ourselves to be influenced by detractors to make certain comments that are irresponsible and illogical given the political realities in the country.Let’s not entertain discussions that are meant to build hate and grudges against an individual due to his background or the tribe he hails from,” he stated.
The veteran politician argued that the President is a Mandinka and that it is logical for those detractors to think that a Mandinka cannot lead the country when they are actually having a Mandinka President.
“Let’s not entertain this kind of statement, as it does not represent anything other than hate and grudges.” At UDP, you do not need to be of a particular tribeor race to lead us to our destination.
“If anyone is selected by the Congress, we will all follow that individual. Again, I am not saying whether I will contest the next presidential election or not, but discussions centred on who should be president are divisive and irresponsible. We should not be found wanting to make those kinds of statements, and it’s illogical,” he added.
Darboe advised his party executives to be consistent with the job and be ready to serve the party with the utmost sincerity and commitment.
He advised the newly elected campaign manager, Karafa Sonko, who lost the same position to Momodou Sabally during their last party’s congress in Janjanbureh, to be committed and hardworking towards rebranding and attracting new members to the party.
“Karafa Sonko, Being a campaign manager isn’t about dressing well or sitting at the bureau. Rather, you should be seen going into every corner of the country to canvass for the party,” Darboe said.
The party’s former campaign manager, Sabally defected to the ruling NPP after serving only a year in the position.
During their Janjanbureh congress, Sonko told the press that out of all the positions in the party, why did Sabally choose his position, insisting that the latter has been eyeing his position since coming into the party?
Sabally’s moment with the UDP was exceptional for his political career, but he shortened the relationship to join the ruling party, a decision many are still struggling to come to terms with.