Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji and a member of the Unite Movement for Change (UMC), Hon. Yahya Menteng Sanyang, has urged party members to take pride in what he described as the movement’s growing influence and to embrace the challenges that accompany its rise as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, Hon. Sanyang said recent political developments indicate that UNITE has emerged as the most relevant opposition party in the country.
“Recent developments indicate that UNITE is the most relevant opposition party in this country. We are steadily occupying the opposition space and positioning ourselves as the biggest force ahead of the upcoming elections,” he stated.
Hon. Sanyang asserted that the party’s momentum has surpassed that of other opposition groups, including the United Democratic Party (UDP). He referenced the UDP leader’s recent appearance on State of Affairs on QTV, arguing that it failed to generate significant public or media engagement.
“The leader of the UDP recently appeared on State of Affairs on QTV, yet neither the news nor his supporters could proudly amplify the appearance, and newspapers struggled to generate any meaningful headlines from it,” he said.
Addressing reports concerning the party’s registration status, Hon. Sanyang dismissed claims that UMC’s application had been rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), describing the narrative as “manufactured.” He explained that the party submitted its registration documents on December 1, 2025, and is currently addressing concerns raised by the commission.
“The IEC story was manufactured. I was personally among the party officials who met with the IEC to address certain issues raised during our registration process,” he emphasized.
Hon. Sanyang expressed confidence that the party will secure registration in time to contest the 2026 presidential elections. “I have never been more hopeful about UNITE than I am today. We are a party of extraordinary opportunities and experiences, and this is our pathway to success.”
He further stated that the party remains resolute in the face of challenges.
“We will respond to every challenge with equal determination and strength. Success does not come easily, but we are resolute,” he added.
Hon. Sanyang also claimed that members of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) perceive UNITE as a serious political contender.
“When you speak with NPP politicians about the prospects of other opposition parties, they appear relaxed. But the moment UNITE is mentioned, their tone changes because they know UNITE is the true force,” he said.
