Africa-Press – Gambia. Lawyer Lamin J. Darboe, a contender for the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) flagbearer position, has boldly declared that he is better prepared than any Gambian president—past or present—to lead the country.
“I am a member of the UDP. I believe I have the credentials, the education, the experience, and the overall background to be able to take this country to where no president from the first president, Sir Dawda to President Barrow ever got. I believe I am more able than all of those,” Darboe asserted.
Speaking after his vetting interview with the UDP selection committee, Darboe described the process as constructive and transparent.
“It was a very productive interview, frank exchanges with the selection committee; I am happy. Everybody who comes before must be hopeful. We trust what they have to do with fairness. Eleven people applied, but I have no doubt they will do their job,” he said.
Addressing concerns about his dual nationality, Darboe confirmed that he holds British citizenship but emphasized that he has always been upfront about it and is prepared to renounce it if elected president.
“When I raised that issue, I am a British citizen; I never hid that. I have always been upfront about that. I am willing to renounce my dual nationality for the post of president alone, not minister. Applying for the presidency, yes, that is worthy for me, and I am willing to do it,” he explained. “As a British citizen, if I want to renounce my citizenship, it will take about two and a half to three months. I could not do that in two weeks, so that was why I raised that issue.”
On whether he would support whichever candidate emerges as flagbearer, Darboe said his decision would depend on the fairness of the selection process.
“If we believe the process is fair, yes, we will; if we believe the process is not fair, then obviously we will have to advise ourselves on the way forward,” he cautioned.
He acknowledged the potential for disputes, given that eleven candidates are vying for the same position, but stressed that fairness and dialogue could prevent divisions.
“Eleven candidates applying for a position, it is going to trigger disputes and conflicts; that is a likely outcome, but if the process is fair, obviously, we can talk to each other and address those issues,” he said.
Darboe also highlighted his vision for a UDP-led government, stressing that party members with the requisite skills should be prioritized for leadership positions, while also keeping the door open for external expertise.
“You cannot take positions and give them to outsiders unless you don’t have those skills within the UDP. The country belongs to all of us, and we must bring people who have talents and skills to help take this country to the next level,” he noted.
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