Africa-Press – Gambia. Seedy Ceesay, Administrative Secretary of the National People’s Party (NPP), has dismissed the United Democratic Party (UDP) as a political threat ahead of the 2026 presidential election, expressing strong reservations about the party’s direction and conduct.
Speaking during an interview with West Coast Radio on Tuesday, Ceesay stated that he has long harbored concerns about the idea of a UDP-led government and does not view the party as a credible challenge to the NPP’s political standing.
“I don’t see UDP as a threat,” Ceesay said. “There is a very famous tree in the bush that burns itself; it is called ‘Fang Janno’ tree (Self Burn tree) in Mandinka,” he said.
He added; “It doesn’t matter what they do, they are a tree that burns itself. It’s that beautiful tree in the bush that, in fact, doesn’t only burn itself but burns the whole bush. 1999 to date. At one point you said this party will make progress and make Gambian people believe it is a party for the Gambian people, a party that is not going to be a sectionalist party or a tribalist party.
Ceesay accused the UDP of failing to live up to its promise of being a unifying, national party. He criticized what he described as sectarian and tribal overtones in statements made by senior members of the party.
“We have seen statements that have been coming out from the top brass of UDP. You cannot say that the party is not considering to align itself with a particular language. When the chairman of the Brikama Area Council makes certain statements as a chairman of the biggest region of this country, you wonder what sort of party or what sort of people they call themselves.” He asserted.
Ceesay further shared that he has always felt apprehensive about the prospect of a UDP government, underscoring his doubts about their leadership.
The NPP official’s remarks come amid increasing political activity and positioning as the country heads toward the 2026 presidential elections.
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