Africa-Press – Gambia. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has predicted that most political parties in The Gambia will eventually fade away, asserting that only the UDP will endure as a viable political force.
“By God’s will, the UDP will be the only party that stands the test of time. Most of the other political parties in this country will melt away like candles,” Darboe declared during a political gathering organized by Fatou Saine Sabally’s Santayalla Kaafo in Farato on Saturday.
The veteran politician emphasized the need for unity within the UDP ahead of the 2026 elections, urging supporters to align their efforts and intentions to achieve their shared goals.
“You’ve all said that we must rescue our country in 2026, but that will not happen through words alone. It requires deliberate, unified action. If I’m working with Amadou Sanneh but our intentions differ, we will not succeed. If we don’t do the work properly, we will fail. We must have a common purpose. Let’s not sabotage ourselves or become our own enemies. Let us act as one family,” he said.
Darboe further cautioned that the Gambian people would not forgive the UDP if it failed to meet their expectations and emphasized the moral accountability of the party’s leadership.
“We will be held accountable—not just by Gambians, but on the Day of Judgment. So let us come together and serve our party and our nation. It’s not enough to echo the words of an artist like Diamond Lady; we need to reach out to those who do not yet support us. Everyone is aware of the challenges in this country. Let us be the ones to remind and inspire change,” he added.
The UDP leader also encouraged party members to ensure that all newly eligible voters, particularly their children, are registered for the 2026 election.
“Make sure all your children who will be eligible in 2026 are registered. If we do that, we can avoid a repeat of what happened in the last election. A vote makes a president, and a vote can unseat him. As Kemeseng Jammeh used to say, a president elected by the people is like an egg—remove your hand from beneath it, and it will break.”
Reflecting on the 2021 election, Darboe reiterated his earlier warnings against trusting President Adama Barrow.
“You placed your trust in President Barrow in 2021 because many believed he would deliver, but he disappointed everyone. I warned you not to vote for him, and now many people regret that decision. Let’s not repeat the same mistake,” he said. “When votes are counted in 2026, let us make sure the only sound we hear is ‘Weee UDP,” he said.
Darboe delivered his remarks during the Santayalla Kaafo meeting in Farato on Saturday.
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