By: Alieu Ceesay and Fatou Dahaba
Former Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has formally submitted his nomination papers for the 2026 presidential election, declaring himself ready to contest and insisting that no law bars him from the race.
Addressing members of the press, election officials, supporters of the United Party Coalition 2026, and Gambians at large, Bensouda described the occasion as a proud milestone. He said his candidacy rests on the values of peace, progress, prosperity, and justice, which he called the glue holding the country together.
“Today is a proud moment when I submit my nomination papers as candidate for President of the Republic of The Gambia,” Bensouda said. “We believe that these elections will be peaceful and very progressive, and we believe that the IEC will ensure that the democratic principles that build this nation will be safeguarded.”
He directed a clear message to Gambians facing economic hardship and uncertainty. “To all Gambians, those struggling at home, those suffering from poverty, rest assured that I, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, will be your soldier on the front line to lift you from darkness into prosperity and into the light,” he said.
Bensouda rejected claims that a government white paper could prevent his candidacy. “My candidacy is not affected at all by the government white paper. I am in no way disqualified, and inshallah, the IEC will do the needful, and I’ll be on the ballot box,” he said. He added that he had filed 16 documents and expressed full confidence in the process. “I have no doubt. This country is a nation of laws. It’s a democratic nation. It’s not possible to disqualify me. There is no basis.”
On the findings of the Janneh Commission and the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, Bensouda said his administration would separate the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice. “The Attorney General will not be political, and it will be his job to implement justice without fear or favor,” he said.
He also outlined a 66-point agenda focused on economic reform, aiming to end poverty within a decade. He described the program as realistic and achievable in the Gambian context.
Responding to scrutiny over his nearly nine years as mayor, Bensouda said concerns raised by the Local Government Commission of Inquiry reflected structural weaknesses in the local government system, not personal misconduct.
“The only findings are structural problems at local government level that can only be changed at the national level through legislative process, which we have been calling for,” he said. “There is no personal liability or misconduct on my side.” He argued that the issues highlight the need for legislative reform, decentralization, and stronger governance laws.
Bensouda’s nomination places him among the prominent contenders positioning themselves for the contest. His message centers on justice, poverty reduction, institutional reform, and democratic governance as he seeks to present himself as a national alternative.
As the Independent Electoral Commission completes its review, attention will turn to whether he receives final clearance and how his platform resonates with voters.
Saturday’s nominations also saw the withdrawal of the National Unity Party. In a press release, the party stated that its leader, Dr. Lamin J. Darbo, will not contest under the NUP ticket. Instead, “Dr. Darbo will be contesting as an Independent Candidate under the Team Gambia Coalition, under whose name Mrs. Fatou Sowe Jaiteh has collected the nomination forms.”
