UDP Official Slams Mayor Talib Bensouda, Urges Him to Clarify Loyalty Amid 2026 Election Speculations

By: Kebba Ansu Manneh

Karamo Njie, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in the North Bank Region (NBR), has publicly called on Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Bensouda to declare his allegiance to the UDP or openly admit his departure from the party. Njie’s remarks come amid growing speculation that Bensouda is preparing to contest the 2026 presidential election independently, following his withdrawal from the UDP flagbearer race, which Lawyer Ousainou Darboe won.

Njie accused Bensuda and his supporters of undermining the UDP’s activities, urging them to cease actions that could destabilize the party. “I call on Talib Ahmed Bensouda to come out publicly and declare his position and membership in the United Democratic Party,” Njie stated. “Supporters of the Talib masquerading as UDP members must also affirm their positions. For us, you are either in or out.”

The controversy stems from allegations that Bensouda sent a delegation, including former UDP campaign manager Karafa Sonko and his assistant Babucarr Loppy Jammeh, to the NBR to promote his potential candidacy for the 2026 presidential election. Njie revealed that both Sonko and Jammeh have resigned from the UDP, and he has instructed party supporters to distance themselves from the duo. “We are well aware of their movements in NBR, and we have communicated to our militants to avoid them, as they are not on a UDP mission but one for Talib Bensuda,” he said.

Njie expressed disappointment over what he described as Bensouda’s betrayal, accusing him of causing internal divisions that led to resignations within the UDP. He labeled Bensouda and his team as “betrayers and traitors” who are working against the will of the majority of UDP supporters who selected Darboe as the party’s flagbearer for 2026. “All the influence, privileges, and prestige Talib Bensouda enjoys are because of the UDP. Without the party’s support, he will fall,” Njie warned.

The UDP official called on party supporters nationwide to unite and deny Bensouda and his group any influence within the party. He emphasized that the UDP remains steadfast in its support for Darboe, predicting that the internal rift caused by Bensouda’s actions would only strengthen the party’s resolve to secure a resounding victory in the 2026 presidential election.

“We will not allow Talib or his surrogates to undermine the activities of the UDP in any form,” Njie declared. “This splinter group will not deny Lawyer Ousainou Darboe victory in 2026 but will fortify our party’s path to success.”

As political tensions rise ahead of the 2026 elections, the UDP’s leadership is working to consolidate support and maintain unity.