Africa-Press – Gambia. Alhaji Mamadi Kurang, former secretary to the Janneh Commission and one of The Gambia’s most prominent voices on transparency and governance, has officially joined the United Democratic Party (UDP), ending months of speculation about his political future.
Kurang announced his decision on Monday during a press conference attended by senior UDP officials, including Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe.
His move comes at a pivotal moment for the party, which has recently faced a wave of defections following the selection of Ousainou Darboe as its 2026 presidential flagbearer.
A fierce critic of governance failures and weak accountability structures, Kurang has in recent years gained national attention for challenging political leaders and pushing for deep institutional reforms. His role in the youth-led movement Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) further strengthened his reputation among young voters and professionals seeking more responsible leadership.
Speaking at the press conference, Kurang outlined the principles guiding his political decision. He reiterated his long-standing position that President Adama Barrow must not remain in office beyond December 2026, insisting that the country requires a new direction. He also described Ousainou Darboe as “the right candidate” to lead The Gambia into its next phase of democratic consolidation.
Kurang’s entry into the UDP is expected to boost morale within the party at a time when internal divisions and high-profile departures have tested its cohesion.
This is not Kurang’s first major political shift. After the electoral commission rejected his independent presidential bid in 2021, he endorsed PDOIS candidate Hon. Halifa Sallah. That relationship later deteriorated, with Kurang accusing PDOIS leadership of lacking internal democracy and relying on “one-man decisions.”
His criticism of PDOIS echoed sentiments expressed by UDP defectors and some dissenting voices within the party he has now joined.
While Kurang offered no further details about his broader political agenda, his announcement signals a potential recalibration of political alliances ahead of the 2026 presidential election. His influence, particularly among reform-minded Gambians, may reshape ongoing national conversations on governance, accountability, and the future of leadership in the country.
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