Africa-Press – Gambia. Businessman and politician Pa Njie Girigara has stated that Ousainou Darboe, leader and Secretary General of the United Democratic Party (UDP), is the party’s ideal presidential candidate for the 2026 elections. Speaking in a recent interview with West Coast Radio, Njie described Darboe as a “natural unifier” among the various “factions” within the party.
“Darboe is a natural unifier for 2026, and from the feedback I’m receiving, I believe there is growing agreement on that,” Njie said.
Njie pointed out that although it’s clear President Adama Barrow—whom he supports and is rallying behind—will lead the National People’s Party (NPP) into the next election, the UDP has not yet announced its flag bearer. He warned that internal party rivalry could undermine the UDP’s electoral prospects.
“We’re heading into elections, and the question remains: who will be the candidates? The NPP and UDP are the two dominant parties, and while it’s clear that Barrow will represent the NPP, the UDP’s candidate is still uncertain,” he stated.
Njie warned that divisions within the UDP could weaken the party’s performance if not carefully managed. “If the UDP wants to maximize its votes in 2026, it should endorse Darboe. That would be the most logical step. If multiple factions within the party push for different candidates, it will lead to internal fractures—each camp will be reluctant to support the other,” he said.
Beyond the UDP, Njie also shared broader observations about The Gambia’s political environment, identifying only two politicians, in his view, who possess the charisma necessary to mobilize widespread popular support: President Adama Barrow and GDC leader Mama Kandeh.
“In this country, only two politicians can truly galvanize the masses—Adama Barrow and Mama Kandeh. Politics is not about aggression or being stiff; it’s about engagement,” Njie said.
He contrasted this with other political figures, including Darboe, whom he characterized as less relatable in public engagements.
“Politics requires charm and the ability to connect. When you attend a meeting with Mama Kandeh, he makes you laugh. Darboe, on the other hand, tends to be quick-tempered; Halifa Sallah is too rigid, and even Essa Faal lacks that element of approachability,” he remarked.
Asked about his own political ambitions, Njie confirmed he has stepped away from electoral politics following his unsuccessful run in the 2018 Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) mayoral race.
On economic matters, Njie expressed concern over the rising cost of living and advocated for government regulation of essential commodity prices. He criticized the current economic approach for lacking sufficient control mechanisms to protect consumers.
“We need to introduce price regulation. I’ve discussed this with President Barrow, and I still hold that view. Without regulation, prices will continue to rise unchecked, while incomes—such as salaries—remain stagnant. That gap will only widen unless addressed,” he argued.
Njie pointed to several Francophone countries as models where essential goods are subject to regulated pricing and urged the Gambian government to consider similar interventions to ease economic pressures on ordinary citizens.
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