In a defiant address that transformed crisis into a rallying cry, United Democratic Party (UDP) Diaspora Chairman Mboge Saidykhan dismissed recent mass resignations as a “family disagreement” while celebrating flagbearer Ousainou Darboe’s global tour as a resounding success.
Speaking to a packed house of party supporters in London, Saidykhan vowed a “family reunion” and predicted UDP’s unstoppable march to State House in the 2026 elections.
The event opened with a solemn moment of silence for the late father of UDP UK Chapter Chairman Saikou Saidily. “May Allah grant him Jannah,” Saidykhan intoned, before unleashing praise for the tour’s August launch in Seattle. “This odyssey set the gold standard,” he declared.
“Unity and sacrifice” – UDP’s bedrock, forged by ordinary farmers, traders, and workers – fueled modest donations into a mighty war chest against corruption and bad governance, Saidykhan stressed. The tour’s climax: handing the podium to National President Ajaa Yamoundou Yaboo and Darboe amid thunderous applause.
Yet the elephant in the room loomed large: the resignation of several prominent executives, announced via social media. The defection rocked Banjul, potentially luring more to President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) amid Barrow’s 15% approval plunge per Afrobarometer polls.
Undeterred, Saidykhan struck magnanimously: “We regret the decision but respect thier choice. Our doors remain open – UDP is family.” Thundering to the rapturous crowd, he proclaimed, “The UDP is OK, and our leader Baba is OK! We’re stronger than ever.” Citing “surging grassroots fervor,” he forecasted a massive October 25 homeland rally, cementing UDP as “the largest and strongest party in the country.”
Lionizing Darboe’s “sacrifice, integrity, honesty, humility” as The Gambia’s salve at this “crossroads,” Saidykhan issued a cross-aisle plea: Unite against injustice, regardless of affiliation. To the diaspora: a battle cry. “Return as polling agents, monitors, observers to guard 2026 votes. Liaise now!”
Analysts hailed the speech as damage-control genius, but Saidykhan turned them into a unity rally. UDP’s global surge positions Darboe for victory, he says.
