The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a blistering rebuttal to Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, dismissing his recent allegations against party leader Lawyer Ousainu Darboe as “false, misleading, and without basis.”
In a press release dated today, the UDP addressed claims made by Bensouda during an interview with Kerr Fatou, where he accused Darboe of sending elders to pressure him into publicly pledging not to contest the party’s presidential flagbearership if Darboe runs.
“The UDP wishes to state that no such event ever occurred unequivocally,” the party declared. It insisted that Darboe never instructed anyone to discourage Bensouda or any member from vying for leadership. Any such meeting, the UDP stressed, happened without the knowledge or consent of the party leader or its National Executive Committee.
The party reaffirmed that its internal processes are governed strictly by its constitution and flagbearer selection rules, guaranteeing every eligible member the democratic right to contest any position, including party leader and presidential candidate. “No member, regardless of position or seniority, is above the party,” the statement read.
Bensouda also claimed he won the 2023 mayoral election as a “coalition candidate,” not a UDP one. The party rejected this outright, citing Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) records showing Bensouda was nominated and contested under the UDP ticket and symbol in both 2018 and 2023.
The UDP acknowledged endorsements from opposition figures but clarified that no formal coalition agreements existed. “He won as a UDP candidate, supported by the collective effort, sacrifice, and commitment of ordinary party members,” the release stated.
While appreciating Bensouda’s contributions, the UDP reminded him that the party “is bigger than any individual.” It highlighted the sacrifices of Gambians who faced persecution and imprisonment to build the UDP, calling it “deeply unfortunate” for any beneficiary of the party’s platform to downplay that legacy.
The party urged calm and unity among members and supporters, vowing not to be distracted by efforts to “sow division or rewrite the truth.” Under Darboe’s leadership, the UDP said it remains focused on rescuing The Gambia from the current administration’s failures and restoring good governance.
The public spat underscores growing tensions within the opposition ahead of the next presidential election, with internal democracy and historical loyalty now at the forefront of the UDP’s narrative.
