Darboe: No Political Party in The Gambia Holds Stronger Values Than UDP

Written by: Alieu Jallow

The leader of the country’s main opposition party, Ousainou Darboe, has said that no political party in The Gambia possesses stronger values than the United Democratic Party (UDP). Darboe made the remarks during an appearance on State of the Affairs on QTV, where he urged party supporters to ignore what he described as unsubstantiated narratives circulating on social media.

“There are some who were born in UDP, grew up in UDP and today you are adults. You know the values of UDP and you know that there is no party in this country with better values than UDP, so continue to embrace those values,” he said.

Following the 2016 political transition that brought President Adama Barrow to power, the UDP maintained its influence nationwide, winning significant parliamentary seats and consolidating its support base across both urban and rural constituencies.

Addressing concerns about succession after nearly three decades at the helm, Darboe stressed that every party member is a potential leader. He cautioned against singling out individuals as future successors, describing such projections as unfair to other capable and patriotic members within the party.

“For me to say that you are preparing a group of people to take over as successor can even be counterproductive,” he noted. Darboe added that leadership within the UDP is built on collective structures rather than personality politics, suggesting that any transition would follow established party processes.

On whether the UDP would consider fielding a different candidate in the December 2026 presidential election if credible surveys indicated a stronger contender against President Barrow, Darboe said the matter would rest with the party’s leadership.

He explained that any such data would be carefully scrutinised to determine its credibility and authenticity. “We will still have to interrogate the findings and see their credibility,” he said, adding that the party would not rely on surveys that may be manipulated or designed to sideline the UDP from the race.