Africa-Press – Gambia. The Secretary General and leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Ousainou Darboe, has cautioned party members against creating divisions over the ongoing selection of the party’s flag bearer for the 2026 presidential election.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his interview with the UDP vetting committee, Darboe emphasized that every aspirant deserves respect for stepping forward to serve the nation through the party.
“No person who has applied should be condemned, no person who has applied should be considered as a traitor, as a person who has betrayed the United Democratic Party, because they are all offering their service to the Gambian nation through the United Democratic Party,” He Said.
Darboe called on party members to remain united, stressing that unity is central to the UDP’s strength.
“So again, I want to appreciate all of you and to say that if we are together, we have everything, so every one of us must continue to consider ourselves as supporters and members of the United Democratic Party,” he said.
The veteran politician urged members not to undermine the process, describing it as a reflection of the party’s democratic principles.
“And this process that we have embarked on, we must not do anything to abort it. We must not do anything to create obstacles for it until it reaches its logical conclusion,” he said.
Darboe explained that the selection began with a public call for interested candidates to submit applications by September 2, and the process remains ongoing. He underscored that any qualified UDP member has the constitutional right to apply.
“Every member of the United Democratic Party who fulfills the requirements established by the Constitution has a right to apply to be adopted as a flag bearer. And it shows our adherence to that democratic principle,” he said.
Addressing rumors that his candidacy was a façade to support another aspirant, Darboe dismissed such claims as disrespectful. “I don’t think that question is relevant; I don’t think I want to get engaged in answering those ones. I think it is an insult for me to say that what I’m doing is fake. I think it is an insult to me, so I’m not answering that question,” he said.
Darboe reaffirmed his commitment to public service, saying he still has contributions to make toward strengthening governance in The Gambia. Stating, “You see, I still have some service to offer to this country. I said to myself when I accepted the leadership of the United Democratic that I want to get rid of a dictatorship and put in place a government that is responsive to the needs and pressures of the Gambian people.”
He added that, “A listening government, a government that is not corrupt, a government that does not weaponize laws against its opponents, a government that is truly committed to the constitution of this country—that is what we want to have. Together with other people, we have gotten rid of Jammeh. The next thing to do is to put in place a government, so when I have done that, then it’s an accomplishment,” he said.
On the prospect of political alliances, Darboe signaled openness, declaring, “I’m ready for coalition.”
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