Members of the main opposition party, UDP, are embroiled in a bitter debate over who will lead the party in the next Presidential election.
Party leader, Darboe, is mute about his future political ambition but various people among the party ranks have been identified as his potential successors including the KMC Mayor, Talib Bensouda.
Despite assurance from the party’s leadership that the flag-bearer selection is open to all legitimate members of party, militants remain disgruntled over the conduct of certain members who they accused of planning to depose Darboe tactically.
Recently, members of Pastef Gambia were heard in a viral audio saying that they will support Talib to become President as they did for the newly elected president in Senegal.
The audio did not go down well with some UDP members which triggered reactions calling on Talib to form his own party and avoid putting UDP in jeopardy.
Earlier this morning, the Deputy Organizing Secretary of the Party, Ebrima Dibba vowed to stop any form of flag -bearer discussion in his UDP Whatsap forums arguing the subject is creating division among members which is not healthy to the party.
Hours after Mr Dibba’s assertion, the Administrative Secretary of UDP came with an opinion urging party members to desist from discussing the party’s flag -bearer issue in all platforms.
However, Pa Manneh who recently lost his contest for the replacement of the party’s campaign manager position branded the opinion as nonsensical.
In a statement, Hon Alhaige S Darboe wrote: “To all members of the UDP, especially the executive members, to completely desist from talking about the flag bearer issue in any form either in audio or Facebook or Tiktok.
“All audios related to the flagbearership issue in all affiliated UDP forums should be deleted forthwith by the group admins and those who are associated with the position should not entertain it, as it will only divide us rather than unite us. The party doesn’t have the issue of a flagbearer in their activity plan as the flagbearer will be selected in 2026.
“We should all focus on 2026 and not entertain the discussion of flagbearers in our forums and platforms. The UDP flagbearer position should not be attached to any individual from the party leader to the last member until 2026, when it will be open to all members who wish to apply.
“In line with the Party’s constitution, the position of flagbearer is not granted to anyone automatically.
“We, therefore, call on all operators in UDP media platforms to heed this clarion call and devote our energies entirely to campaigning for UDP to win the polls in 2026”.
In a rebuttal to Darboe’s position, Pa Manneh reacted: “Personally! I think the press release from Alagie S Darboe is NONSENSE. If the party supporters and sympathizers have no say regarding party issues; then they have no voice in the party and their support is useless. The easiest was to reach out to those concerned and mentioned names to address the issue and put to rest the whole thing. If that isn’t possible, then truth is hidden from the party supporters.
“Since, when it became an issue to call out Ousainou Darboe’s name as (UDP) flag bearer for next presidential elections? Something is fishy and we aren’t ready to be factual to the party supporters.
“Let’s speak the truth because I see no truthfulness in that press release..
“Darboe for 2026 is no harm and can’t be harmful to anyone. Unless we turn the tune other wise.
“For me, I have a voice to say in this party.. And I will speak it. No matter the consequences”.
For some members, the continuous silence of Darboe on his future is not helping the situation.
A member who spoke to his medium with anonymity said, if Darboe could be bold enough to state his challenge against Barrow well before 2021 despite all odds, what’s stopping him from saying the same thing at this critical period of his party? Leadership is about voice and assertiveness and he should not allow a few egocentric persons to propel their interest to the detriment of the standing principles of UDP.