Banjul, 12 November 2026 – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) The Gambia leader Prince Ebrima Sanyang has confirmed he did not submit his presidential nomination papers at the scheduled appointment with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. The decision, he said, stemmed from an unresolved issue with his voter registration record that left him unable to proceed without risking legal challenges to his candidacy.
In a statement addressed to fellow Gambians, supporters, and friends, Sanyang explained that despite previous registration and the issuance of a voter’s card, searches at the IEC’s Brikama, Yarambamba, and Mansa Konko regional offices, as well as IEC headquarters, failed to locate his data in the system. On 10 November 2026, his legal representatives formally requested urgent verification of his registration, restoration of the record where supported by evidence, and replacement of his voter’s card. With the matter still unresolved, he consulted his legal team and executive before notifying the Commission of the decision not to submit the papers.
“Something seems to be fundamentally wrong with IEC’s data protection and credibility,” Sanyang stated. He added that proceeding while the fundamental issue remained outstanding “would have exposed my candidacy to avoidable challenge and created uncertainty for everyone who had placed their trust in this endeavour.”
Sanyang offered a sincere apology to his team, organisers, advisers, volunteers, and supporters both in The Gambia and abroad. He acknowledged the personal sacrifices many had made in preparation for the nomination and expressed deep regret that the process could not proceed as anticipated. “As your leader, I owe you clarity, honesty and accountability,” he said, while thanking them for strengthening a shared commitment to service, dignity, and opportunity that “endures beyond any single nomination or candidacy.”
The EFF leader urged the IEC to investigate the matter promptly, provide written findings, and take corrective action if evidence shows the registration record was erroneously omitted or otherwise affected. He argued that the inability to trace a presidential candidate’s registration record “implies potential electoral fraud” with serious implications for both the national and international community. “The cause must be established through evidence and a transparent investigation,” he said, questioning whether the credibility and independence of the IEC remain intact to conduct free and fair elections. “Has our 2026 Presidential election been compromised?”
Sanyang stressed that his decision not to submit nomination papers does not constitute a waiver or abandonment of his rights. All rights remain expressly reserved, and further action will be pursued through every lawful and peaceful channel, including local and international courts.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed his commitment to public service and the democratic process. He pledged to remain central to efforts to establish an all-inclusive united opposition front and “the biggest opposition coalition under current circumstances,” stating that “no well-meaning opposition party/movement will be left out” and that “InshaAllah victory will be assured.”
He called on all EFF supporters to remain calm, dignified, and law-abiding, reflecting the principles of respect, peace, responsibility, and commitment to the national interest. Sanyang closed by thanking those who had stood beside him and invoking blessings for The Gambia and its people.
