Africa-Press – Gambia. Hon. Yahya Sanyang, National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, has formally resigned from the United Democratic Party (UDP), citing deep personal regret and fundamental disagreement with the party’s current direction—particularly its choice of flagbearer for the upcoming election cycle.
In a lengthy resignation letter dated October 5, 2025, and addressed to Hon. Alagie S. Darboe, the UDP’s Senior Administrative Secretary, Sanyang described the decision as the most difficult of his political career, calling it one “made with a heart heavier than I can adequately express.”
“This decision has been, without a shadow of a doubt, the most agonizing and difficult choice I have had to make in my political career, and indeed, one of the toughest of my entire life. To say that I feel bad is a gross understatement; I am consumed by a deep, gnawing sense of grief. ” Sanyang wrote. He expressed deep emotional attachment to the UDP, which he described as a “legacy” and “the party of my parents,” emphasizing that leaving it felt like “leaving a part of my own family behind.”
Sanyang said his resignation followed “extensive, painful consultation” with his immediate family, elders, and trusted advisers. According to him, the decision was not taken hastily, describing it as a “rigorous and emotionally draining process” that was ultimately decided by a principled disagreement over the party’s selection of a presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2026 elections.
“The simple truth is that my difference with the party is singular, but tragically, it is irreconcilable,” he wrote. “That difference lies solely in the party’s choice of flagbearer for the upcoming electoral cycle. My analysis of the political landscape, coupled with the feedback from the ground, leads me to the unshakeable conclusion that this choice, as it currently stands, does not offer us the best, most viable path to victory or the most effective platform to unite the nation,” he wrote.
Despite his resignation from the party structure, Sanyang reaffirmed his commitment to national development and promised to continue supporting the UDP caucus in the National Assembly on matters aligned with the country’s interests.
“I want to assure you and the entire UDP caucus of my unwavering commitment to the people of this country and the legislative agenda that serves them,” he stated. “Where the caucus’s position is clearly aimed at the betterment and progress of The Gambia, my vote and my voice will be in alignment with yours.”
Sanyang stressed that his departure was not a rejection of the UDP’s philosophy, principles, or legacy. He maintained that he holds “no animosity” toward the party leadership, regional committees, or individual members. “The UDP will forever remain dear to my heart. Its foundational principles and its place in The Gambia’s democratic journey are secure in my esteem,” he affirmed.
The Latrikunda Sabiji lawmaker concluded his letter by thanking the party for years of mentorship and camaraderie, while expressing hope that the UDP would continue to contribute meaningfully to The Gambia’s democratic future.
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