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By Hadram Hydara
Ousainu Darboe, leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the “Gambia First Alliance”, declaring that political diversity can drive national unity ahead of the December 2026 presidential elections.
Addressing political partners, party supporters, and members of the press during the signing ceremony, Darboe described the pact as a “vivid demonstration that diversity in politics can also inspire and drive unity in the pursuit of shared values.” He acknowledged widespread public skepticism regarding opposition coalitions but emphasized that alliances built with “sincerity, honesty and transparency” can endure and achieve their objectives.
While confirming his position as the coalition’s candidate, Darboe stressed that the upcoming campaign would be a collective effort: “The candidate’s name is Ousainu Darboe and the face on the ballot box will be Ousainu Darboe but each and every one of you, my trusted allies, is the candidate and the ballot box will bear your name and carry your face; the campaign should be and will be collective.”
During his address, the UDP leader extended an open invitation to remaining opposition parties to negotiate a joint transitional roadmap. “To other opposition parties not present here today, we extend our hand to each and every one of you. Let us work together to save our country,” Darboe urged. “Come and let’s join hands, persuade our citizens to help us help them, let us work on a mutually agreed five-year reform agenda, set our country on a good foundation and let our successor take it from there.”
Darboe concluded his address by calling on alliance members to mobilize grassroots support across homes, markets, and regional bantabas, while urging UDP members to embrace their new partners and appealing to diaspora supporters to maintain financial and strategic backing.
