By Alieu Ceesay
In a landmark moment for Gambian opposition politics, the United Democratic Party (UDP) held its first-ever political rally in Janbanjelly, Kombo South, West Coast Region, on Saturday, drawing massive crowds and marking a significant boost ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
The event, the party’s first in the area since a 1996 rally in Jamcity, celebrated the defection of 500 new members, spearheaded by prominent political figure Buba Bojang. Bojang, who had previously announced plans to form his own party to challenge for the presidency, dramatically shifted course by aligning with the UDP, citing a shared vision for national change.
Addressing thousands of supporters at his hometown venue, Bojang declared his commitment to ousting President Adama Barrow’s administration. “We are ready to salvage this country, and we hope that this change will effect an end to hunger in this country,” he thundered, receiving thunderous applause. His “Youths for Change” movement, focused on transforming leadership, played a pivotal role in mobilizing the recruits.
Kombo South has long been a UDP stronghold since the 2016 regime change that ended Yahya Jammeh’s rule. The party has secured the parliamentary seat in the constituency twice, underscoring its deep roots in the community. Local ward councillor Boto Bojang amplified the youth appeal during the rally, urging young Gambians to reject the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
“Under NPP, there is no future for youths. Under UDP, there is a future for youths, and Ousainou Darboe is the right candidate,” Councillor Bojang proclaimed, highlighting unemployment and economic hardships under the current government.
UDP leader and Secretary General Ousainou Darboe, the party’s presidential flagbearer, personally welcomed the defectors and tasked militants with recruiting more supporters to secure victory in 2026. In a fiery speech, Darboe lambasted Barrow’s administration as “the most corrupt government” in Gambia’s history, accusing it of mismanaging resources and fueling economic woes.
“The most corrupt government is Barrow’s government. Let’s vote them out to install a government that will protect your financial resources,” Darboe said. He warned that re-electing Barrow would lead to soaring foreign exchange rates and skyrocketing commodity prices, exacerbating poverty.
Darboe extended an olive branch to other opposition parties, calling for unity to unseat the incumbent. “We are calling on all great-minded political parties to come together to change this government,” he urged, emphasizing coalition-building in the face of a fragmented opposition landscape.
With just 13 months until the polls, the rally signals a reinvigorated UDP campaign. The influx of 500 members, many of whom are from Bojang’s youth-driven network, has bolstered the party’s confidence in Kombo South and beyond. As political loyalties remain fluid, analysts say such high-profile defections could tip the scales in what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
The event concluded with chants of unity and change, leaving attendees optimistic about the UDP’s prospects.
