By: Alieu Ceesay
Coalition 2026 has formally selected Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda as its flagbearer to challenge incumbent President Adama Barrow in the December 5 presidential election, following a turbulent selection process marked by multiple high-profile withdrawals.
Bensouda, leader of the UNITE party, emerged unopposed after rivals exited the contest. He had entered the race alongside Professor Sidat Yaffa and Ambassador Essa Bokarr Sey. Sey first withdrew his candidacy, narrowing the field. In a dramatic turn, Professor Yaffa also pulled out, clearing the path for Bensouda to be declared the sole remaining contender and official flagbearer of the opposition alliance.
The process was further clouded by earlier exits from the broader coalition talks, including that of APP-Sobeyaa party of Lawyer Essa Faal Essa Mbaye Faal, which had already strained negotiations over issues of fairness, transparency and leadership arrangements. Those departures left the remaining parties to press ahead with the selection under the Coalition Mediation Committee framework.
Addressing supporters after his unopposed declaration, Bensouda struck a note of solemn duty rather than triumph. “I accept this as a duty, I accept it as a responsibility, not as a prize given to me,” he told the gathering. “Today, I accept with humility and gratitude the historic responsibility of becoming the Flagbearer of Coalition 2026. This is not a victory for one party. It is a victory for the idea that Gambians and political forces with different histories, identities and perspectives can come together around one national purpose.”
He listed the political entities still committed to the coalition: PASTEF The Gambia, Gambia Sustainable & Environmental Movement (GSEM), People’s Right Party, Forward Gambia, National Reform Congress, Gambia Movement for Progress, Save The Gambia, National Development Association and UNITE Party.
Bensouda reaffirmed the coalition’s core commitments under its memorandum of understanding. “The MOU required us to commit to a mandate and constitutional reform, to commit us in fighting corruption, restore public trust, and promote national reconciliation. I accept every one of these principles,” he said.
Looking ahead, the new flagbearer announced plans for a nationwide tour to mobilize voters. “We have one job: to win the confidence of the Gambian people and to build the new Gambia,” he declared. He stressed that the coalition’s ambitions extend beyond merely replacing the current government. “Our ambitions must not be to replace a government only but to build a government that will build stronger institutions, restore accountability, [and] reform the constitutional and legal framework.”
Bensouda also extended an olive branch to parties and individuals who had withdrawn from the talks, urging them to rejoin the effort. With only months remaining before polling day, the selection of Bensouda marks a pivotal moment for the fragmented opposition as it seeks to present a unified challenge to Barrow’s administration.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of recent public exchanges between UNITE and departing parties over the conduct of the negotiations, underscoring the fragile nature of the alliance even as its remaining members rally behind their newly chosen candidate. Coalition 2026 now turns its focus to consolidating support and translating its reform agenda into a credible electoral platform.
