By Alieu Ceesay
Secretary General and Party Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Hon. Ousman Madikay Faal, delivered a forceful address on behalf of the Gambia First Coalition – UDP-Led Alliance at the United Democratic Party’s 30th anniversary celebrations, urging Gambians to choose unity, democracy and national priority over division and prolonged power.
Speaking to party supporters, coalition partners and distinguished guests, Faal framed the moment as a defining choice for the country’s future. “What kind of Gambia do we want to leave for the next generation?” he asked, contrasting continued poverty, high living costs, youth unemployment, corruption and political division with a nation offering hope, dignity, opportunity, justice and a voice. “We choose Gambia First.”
He paid tribute to UDP founding fathers and highlighted the shared democratic heritage of the UDP and PPP, noting both parties’ roles in the struggle for justice and freedom. Faal then saluted presidential candidate Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, affectionately called “Ba Ousainou,” praising his stand against dictatorship, defense of the constitution and role as a voice for the voiceless.
“We believe that The Gambia’s democratic story will not be complete without seeing Ba Ousainou Darboe serve as President,” Faal declared, adding that the nation is ready for him to put those principles into practice.
The coalition’s agenda, Faal stressed, prioritizes poverty alleviation, affordable living, agricultural support for farmers, anti-corruption measures with transparent procurement and recovery of misused public funds, reliable electricity, and opportunities for women and youth. He insisted government must focus on the daily realities of ordinary citizens rather than abstract statistics.
A central theme was rejection of a third term. “NO TO A THIRD TERM,” Faal said, emphasizing that the stance protects institutions and the two-term principle rather than targeting any individual. Power must remain temporary and the people sovereign, he argued.
He strongly condemned tribal and ethnic politics, fear-mongering and victimization, calling for judgment based on competence and character. Traditional institutions, including Alkaloos and Chiefs, must remain above partisan divisions to preserve national hospitality and unity. Natural resources, he added, belong to the people and must be managed transparently for future generations.
