The Minority leader who doubles as the Administrative Secretary of the opposition United Democratic Party, Alhaige S Darboe has hinted Darboe’s Presidency in 2026 expressing optimism that nothing can stop his party from winning.
Hon Alhaige S Darboe made these remarks during a major defection ceremony as the ruling NPP lost its key members in the Busumbala Constituency to their rivals, UDP.
“The game is over for NPP and nothing can stop UDP from winning. If Macky Sall could not stop Sonko, nothing would stop UDP from winning. We are a party of principles and well structured so, everything is intact within the party’s ranks” Darboe stated.
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He further outlined the party’s plan under the year saying, they do not have anything within their calendar that entails the selection of a flag bearer or leadership tussle as he responds to detractors.
“There is no petty talk in UDP neither leadership tussle nor qualm within the leadership. Ousainou Darboe has the legal mandate to steer the affairs of the party until 2026 election and no one can hijack this party” The Minority leader stated.
Hon S. Darboe told the newly defected NPP members to be relentless in their approach saying the hand that tied the lion is the only hand that can untie it.
On his part, Hon Ousainou Darboe reverted to detractors that he will not resign as party leader of UDP as long as his health continues to support his activities.
“I have enough soldiers within my ranks and I believed that they will not allow anyone to overthrow me. I am quite sure that no one within the ranks want to take over from me at this point” the veteran politician charged.
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He emphasized that all maladministrations happening under the Jammeh government are central in the current administration arguing that those with consent will not allow themselves to aid and abet a system that’s not in the interest of the people.
Darboe welcomes the former NPP Chairman in the Busumbala constituency and their coordinator among others telling them they are back to their original home, UDP.
Mr. Darbo’s reaction came barely a week after the BCC mayor accused a cohort within UDP who are bent on overthrowing Darboe for their egocentric benefits.
The minority’s remarks seemingly suggest he and others are in for Darboe’s candidature, however, USA-based Namana Keita argued that Bensouda is the UDP’s best candidate for 2026.
In a reaction, he wrote: “Talib is UDP’s only answer to those who continually brand the party as a Mandinka party, for Talib, isn’t your typical Mandinka fellow.
That Lawyer Darboe has sacrificed everything for UDP is not in question. From
sacrificing a successful private practice in
BasangSang Chambers to spending countless months in jail, Darboe has given his
all to UDP and Gambia,
But like they say, every journey must come to an end someday, and I think the time has come for the baton to be passed, and UDP will not present a more electable candidate
than Talib”.
However, a member of UDP said Mr. Keita is not a known member of the party and should stay out of the internal democratic affairs of the party and urge Talib to condemn such divisive remarks that can be disastrous to his political career.