By Fatou Dahaba
The Gambia Movement for Progress (GMP) has withdrawn from opposition Coalition 2026 and entered an alliance with President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party, in a move sealed at State House on 29 September 2026.
GMP leader Professor Sidat Yaffa signed a memorandum of understanding with the NPP-led grouping, days after notifying Coalition 2026 flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda that his party was leaving the opposition bloc with effect from 24 September. The switch is one of several realignments as parties position themselves for the 5 December presidential election.
Addressing GMP and NPP supporters, Yaffa said the departure followed internal disagreements and unmet expectations. Although he had played a central role in the process that produced the coalition’s candidate—he was runner-up in the 8 August flagbearer contest before backing Bensouda—he said the alliance “did not proceed in the manner he and his party had anticipated.”
In his earlier letter to Bensouda, Yaffa had listed specific grievances: GMP was denied a speaking slot at the Brikama SSP rally despite its status as runner-up; UNITE Party supporters portrayed Coalition 2026 as a UNITE-only project; meetings were announced without Governing Council approval; and the coalition failed to ensure Bensouda suspended his UNITE membership and took the required oath. GMP concluded it would not remain in a coalition that “seldom gives due respect to the signed Agreements.”
At State House, Yaffa framed the NPP partnership as a policy choice rather than a personal confrontation. He said the alliance rests on five priority areas addressing Gambians’ most urgent concerns. Peace and stability came first. He described Barrow as a champion of national calm and cohesion and argued that preserving that peace is essential as the country enters another election season.
He also called for stronger government action on agriculture, health and education, saying GMP has experts ready to contribute to public service delivery. He added that cooperation between the two parties would begin in earnest in January 2027. He expressed confidence that NPP’s nationwide structures, combined with GMP’s expertise, would benefit citizens across the country.
Yaffa said his party would not trade insults or condone political violence. He appealed for mutual respect among all parties and urged supporters to remain peaceful through the campaign.
Collaboration, he argued, is essential in politics, and the new alliance must be built out across the country.
Looking past December, he said GMP would work with the NPP and other partners to prepare for the 2027 National Assembly and local government elections, aiming to strengthen Barrow’s camp at those levels. He closed by urging coalition members and other political actors to support the NPP in the presidential contest, saying national development requires unity, stability and practical cooperation.
Yaffa stressed that GMP members are not joining the NPP as individuals; the movement will keep its own identity while working with the ruling party, in a model similar to other NPP alliance arrangements. The State House signing places GMP among opposition figures and groups that have shifted toward Barrow’s camp in the final stretch before nomination and polling.
