In a staunch show of solidarity, Chairman Yankuba Darboe and 22 United Democratic Party (UDP) councillors from the Brikama Area Council (BAC) have publicly declared their unwavering commitment to party leader Ousainou Darboe, distancing themselves from recent resignations at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
The statement, issued Tuesday, comes on the heels of 11 KMC UDP councillors announcing their departure from the opposition party, a move that has stirred speculation about internal fractures within the UDP ahead of upcoming political battles. Describing the West Coast Region’s BAC as “the Power House” of The Gambia due to its large and populous base, Darboe and his colleagues emphasized their role as a bulwark against division.
“We acknowledge receipt of their resignation letters and sincerely respect their decisions as part of their democratic and political civil rights,” the declaration reads. “Out of respect for their choices, and since no negative reasons were cited, we refrain from making further comments on their departure.”
However, the group drew a firm line, vowing to shield the UDP from what they called “selfish opportunists who have no value for integrity.” They reaffirmed their “unconditional endorsement” of Lawyer Ousainou Darboe as the party’s flagbearer, pledging to support his ascent to State House “by any lawful means, and at any price necessary.”
The councillors, representing wards from Gunjur to Bijilo and including nominated members for sectors like livestock, transport, youth, and vendors, positioned themselves as guardians of the party’s founding principles. “The United Democratic Party stands for unity and democracy, guided by its constitution and internal regulations,” they stated. “What we will not accept is for individuals who are not members of the UDP to dictate how our great party should manage its internal affairs.”
Signed by Caucus Chairman Hon. Momodou Charreh Gibba on behalf of the group, the release lists all 23 signatories, including Deputy Chairman Hon. Ismaila Jallow and ward representatives like Hon. Bubacar Kanteh (Kartong) and Hon. Alagie Jammeh (Brufut). It underscores the UDP’s intellectual depth and patriotic core, insisting the party remains “for the people, by the people, and with the people of The Gambia.”
The defections at KMC, announced last week, have fueled debates about the UDP’s cohesion under Darboe’s leadership, especially as the party eyes a comeback in national elections. Analysts see the BAC’s response as a strategic counterpunch, leveraging the region’s electoral weight to rally the base.
While respecting the exiters’ rights, the BAC group warned against external meddling, declaring: “The UDP is here to stay.” This episode highlights the high-stakes maneuvering in Gambian politics, where local loyalties often foreshadow national tides.
