By Seedy Jobe
The Unite Movement for Change (UMC) on Monday, April 20, 2026, strongly condemned what it described as “blatant injustice and political targeting” following the summoning and detention of its senior member, Hon. Yahya Menteng Sanyang, by police over alleged voter registration fraud.
At a press conference held at the movement’s headquarters, UMC spokesperson Kemo Bojang stated that Mr. Sanyang was invited to the Fajikunda Police Station on April 18 after a complaint was filed by the UDP, alleging that he had registered illegal voters.
“These accusations are not only false but entirely baseless, driven by hearsay rather than evidence,” Bojang said. “Hon. Sanyang fully cooperated with the authorities and made it categorically clear that the individuals in question are Gambian citizens, above the legal voting age, and fully entitled to register and vote.”
According to the UMC, Mr. Sanyang was released on April 19 but was “unexpectedly recalled for further questioning” without being presented with a case file or supporting evidence.
“At no point was a formal case file or evidence presented to him, nor were any charges communicated. We consider this approach irregular and inconsistent with due process and the rule of law,” the statement added.
The movement further described the incident as “a deliberate abuse of process” and criticized the complaint as politically motivated.
“It is frankly shameful that an opposition party would stoop so low as to fabricate allegations against another opposition movement simply because they feel threatened by UNITE’s rapid rise and growing national support,” Bojang said.
UMC also rejected suggestions that Mr. Sanyang could influence voter registration processes, arguing that he holds no official role or access within relevant state institutions.
“It is completely illogical to suggest that a private citizen can access birth records or manipulate the voter registration system,” Bojang stated. “Hon. Sanyang does not work for the records office, the Ministry of Health, or the Independent Electoral Commission. He has no authority or access to register voters.”
The movement also alleged inconsistencies in law enforcement, claiming there is a “blatant double standard” in how similar matters are handled.
“There is credible public evidence of a high-ranking government official seen on camera at multiple polling stations engaging in activities linked to the voter registration process, including an alleged altercation with an agent in Abuko, yet no action has been taken,” Bojang said. “This raises serious concerns about fairness, consistency, and the impartiality of law enforcement.”
Mr. Bojang added that both government and opposition actors view UNITE as a growing political force.
“They see UNITE as the biggest political threat, and they are right,” he said. “Instead of competing fairly, they are attempting to weaponize state institutions to slow us down. But no human being can stop us—only Allah can.”
He also referenced earlier remarks attributed to Minister Hamat Bah in Sukuta, suggesting efforts to curb UNITE’s political activities.
“What we are witnessing today is the beginning of exactly that,” Bojang said. “But let this serve as a warning: UNITE will not be bullied, will not be silenced, and will not be stopped.”
The movement further called on authorities to ensure professionalism and impartiality in handling the matter.
“We urge the authorities to act professionally, transparently, and without bias. The law must apply equally to all, regardless of political affiliation or status,” Bojang concluded.
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