By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
In a decisive victory, veteran politician and leader of The Gambia’s biggest opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, has emerged as the party’s flagbearer for the 2026 presidential election. The UDP’s Selection Committee announced at a press conference in Manjai Kunda, where the primary election took place on September 10, 2025.
Darboe’s selection marks a pivotal moment for the UDP as it prepares to challenge the incumbent Barrow administration in the upcoming election.
The primary contest featured three prominent candidates: Darboe, Lawyer Borry S. Touray, and former Finance Minister Amadou Sanneh. Darboe dominated the vote, securing 65 out of 75 total votes, while Touray garnered eight and Sanneh received two. Sanneh’s last-minute withdrawal from the race and subsequent endorsement of Darboe likely bolstered the veteran leader’s commanding lead, consolidating support within the party. The overwhelming victory underscores Darboe’s enduring popularity and influence within the UDP, positioning him as a formidable contender for the presidency.
Dudu Kassa Jatta, a staunch UDP supporter, expressed jubilation at Darboe’s selection, describing him as the unifying party membership choice. “I want to call on all our supporters and militants to come together as one and start our aggressive campaign to hand over State House to H.E. Darboe,” Jatta told The Alkamba Times (TAT). He emphasized Darboe’s ability to rally the party and lead it to victory, urging supporters to set aside internal divisions and mobilize for the 2026 election. “We want to thank everybody who participated in this selection process and for having the confidence in our party leader to lead our party into the 2026 election,” Jatta added, appealing to all Gambians to rally behind Darboe to “rescue our country from this corrupt government.”
Hon. Lamin Ceesay, National Assembly Member for Kiang West Constituency, echoed Jatta’s sentiments, praising the party’s decision to entrust Darboe with the flagbearer role. “Selecting A.N.M. Ousainou Darboe to become the flagbearer of UDP has sent a strong signal to our opponents to get ready for 2026, which we believe he will win,” Ceesay told TAT.
He highlighted Darboe’s competence and electability, asserting that the veteran leader is well-positioned to dislodge President Barrow’s administration. Ceesay dismissed critics who claim Darboe cannot defeat Barrow at the polls, calling such assertions “false and utterly misleading.” He accused detractors of being neither supporters nor loyalists of the UDP, suggesting their criticisms aim to undermine Darboe’s moral standing.
Ceesay further emphasized Darboe’s consistent dominance throughout the selection process, from interviews to national consultations and the final primary vote. “One can clearly see from the interview process to national consultation to today’s elections, he has won the overwhelming majority massively,” he said. The Kiang West NAM called on all party members, including mayors, MPs, and councillors, to unite behind Darboe to achieve the UDP’s goal of unseating the current government. He described Darboe as the “most electable candidate,” capable of ushering in a new government that will defend The Gambia’s sovereignty and independence.
The selection process was not without its challenges. Speculation about internal party divisions had surfaced, particularly following Sanneh’s withdrawal and endorsement of Darboe. However, party leaders and supporters have downplayed any rifts, with Jatta explicitly calling for the “abrogation of all camps” within the UDP to rally around Darboe. The veteran politician’s victory in the primaries has also silenced social media critics who questioned his electability. Ceesay noted that “ranting on social media” did not sway the party’s choice.
Darboe’s selection as flagbearer comes at a critical juncture for The Gambia, as the UDP seeks to capitalize on public discontent with the Barrow administration. Political analysts view Darboe’s candidacy as a strategic move to consolidate opposition forces and present a united front in 2026.
With his decades of political experience and legal expertise, Darboe is expected to focus his campaign on governance, economic reform, and anti-corruption measures. As the UDP ramps up its campaign, all eyes will be on Darboe’s ability to mobilize voters and challenge the ruling party’s grip on power in what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
