Africa-Press – Gambia. Press has learned from reliable sources within the United Democratic Party (UDP) that the party’s Leader and Secretary General, Ousainu Darboe, has formally applied for the party’s flagbearer position in the upcoming 2026 presidential election.
According to information obtained , Mr. Darboe submitted his application on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The official deadline for submission of applications is set for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. At present, the only other confirmed aspirant for the UDP’s presidential ticket is Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council and the party’s Organizing Secretary.
If selected, this will mark Mr. Darboe’s sixth attempt at leading the UDP as its presidential candidate, a testament to his enduring presence and influence within the Gambian political landscape. Since the party’s formation in 1996, he has been at the forefront of opposition politics, earning recognition for his steadfast resistance against Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian regime.
Mr. Darboe’s political career is distinguished by his profound courage and resilience. His imprisonment, alongside other party executives, followed his public demand for the release of Solo Sandeng and other activists arrested during a protest for electoral reform. Sandeng’s subsequent death in custody sparked nationwide outrage, galvanizing the opposition and catalyzing the coalition that propelled former UDP member Adama Barrow to the presidency in 2016.
Throughout his political career, Mr. Darboe has been widely respected for his unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights, earning him both domestic and international recognition. Analysts note that his continued engagement in politics, even after years of challenges and setbacks, underscores a dedication to public service that few of his contemporaries have matched.
The UDP’s flagbearer selection process is expected to draw significant attention, with party delegates weighing the credentials, vision, and leadership qualities of the aspirants ahead of the 2026 polls. With the political calendar intensifying, Mr. Darboe’s application signals the beginning of what promises to be a closely watched contest within one of The Gambia’s most influential political parties.
As the deadline approaches, political observers will be keenly monitoring any new applications and potential alliances, recognizing that the outcome of the UDP’s internal decision will have far-reaching implications for the 2025 presidential election.
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