By Seedy Jobe
The Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), ANM Ousainu Darboe, has laid out clear conditions for any coalition arrangement ahead of the December 5th presidential election, warning that his party will not enter into agreements that diminish its standing or sideline its leadership.
Darboe’s remarks came days after the Coalition Taskforce Committee concluded its 7th Strategic Session at the Baobab Hotel and formally launched the nomination process for a coalition flagbearer for the 2026 presidential race.
Speaking in an interview with Skypower Radio on Tuesday, the UDP leader—who has guided his party’s alliance strategy—drew a firm distinction between coalition and capitulation.
“When they say coalition, UDP says, ‘I am here, let’s join together,'” he said. “The difference between us and others is how we will join together.”
Darboe illustrated his position with a straightforward arithmetic argument: “I have 50, you have 10, and another has 5. You, with 10, are saying I, with my 50, should come and stand behind you. Let’s be honest—common sense says that’s not how it should be done.”
He reinforced the point with a Mandinka proverb about rope and water: a shorter rope joined to a longer one can reach the well—but the owner of the short rope cannot then dictate how the water is distributed. “Jamais,” he said. “We will not be able to do that.”
Despite the firm language, Darboe confirmed that UDP is actively participating in coalition discussions and has no intention of withdrawing.
“We have never turned our back on coalition. Currently, there are coalition talks. At least UDP has been invited to discussions on three platforms, and we have responded and will continue to participate,” he said.
He challenged other opposition parties to be candid about the political realities on the ground. “If you say a coalition cannot work without UDP, and if you believe UDP is the vehicle, then why not give your vote to UDP? You yourself know that if you give it to another party, it won’t benefit you.”
Darboe was unequivocal on the question of his own candidacy, signaling that any coalition partner seeking to exclude him as flagbearer will not find common ground with the UDP.
“So on the coalition issue, we are part of the talks. But our position in the talks is simple: don’t fool us. If you don’t want Darboe, UDP wants Darboe. Nobody will blackmail UDP again,” he said. “We are in coalition talks. Those we can work with, maybe we will form a coalition with them. But those who say Darboe is the problem, I don’t think they will come to us,” he added.
The UDP leader closed with a broader appeal for honesty in political discourse. “Let’s speak the truth to each other. Let’s not deceive each other. The state of affairs in this country is marred by deception. Let us stop deceiving each other. If we stop fooling each other, we will know how to move forward.”
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