Africa-Press – Gambia. Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, has announced withdrawal of his candidacy for the United Democratic Party (UDP)’s 2026 presidential flag bearer.
In a televised video message, he also stated that he has resigned from his position as the party’s National Organizing Secretary.
The announcement comes less than a week after Bensouda was among 11 aspiring candidates to apply for the position. All applicants were scheduled to participate in a consensus-building exercise to select a final candidate to lead the party.
Bensouda explained that his decision came after a one-on-one meeting with UDP Secretary General, Ousainou Darboe. Prior to the application process, Bensouda had publicly committed that he would not challenge Darboe for the flagbearer position if Darboe decided to run.
“I took it upon myself to meet with Mr. Darboe on a one-on-one basis to let him know my desire to lead the UDP and my confidence that if selected, I will become victorious in the December 2026 presidential election,” Bensouda said in his video address.
He added that Darboe also confirmed his commitment to being the UDP flag bearer for 2026.
“Therefore, I have told him, and I am here to tell my supporters, that effective immediately, I have withdrawn my candidacy for the flag bearer of the United Democratic Party 2026,” he stated. “Also, I have told Mr. Darboe that, in good faith and in principle, I will, therefore, resign as the National Organizing Secretary of the United Democratic Party. Mr. Darboe will need an organizing secretary whom he will trust and who can deliver to his expectations.”
Bensouda concluded by advising Gambians to practice “decent politics.” He urged citizens to recognize that “politics is not a game of insults, division, personal attacks, or defamatory comments,” and that it should be a tool to foster national development and community unity.
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