By Seedy Jobe
Essa Faal, leader of APP-Sobeyaa, has responded to recent remarks by Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe, who cast doubt on the prospects of a coalition between the United Democratic Party (UDP) and APP-Sobeyaa over disagreements regarding leadership selection.
Darboe recently suggested that the main obstacle to a coalition is the question of who would lead it. He argued that while Faal has publicly opposed what he described as the “coronation” of a presidential candidate, the UDP believes its leader should naturally head any alliance given the party’s political strength and support base.
Speaking on The Dialect Space Podcast on Friday, Faal said he respects Darboe and called for civility and mutual respect in political discourse.
“I have a lot of respect for Chairman Yankuba Darboe. I do hope that this respect is not a one-way street,” Faal said. “I do not believe in name-calling. I do not believe in attacking personalities. I also do not believe in speaking ill of people or attempting to minimise them.”
Faal stressed that his advocacy for coalition-building is rooted in national interest rather than personal ambition, noting that he has consistently called for opposition unity for more than two decades.
“I have been calling for coalition talks since 2002. What I am doing is not for me. It is not for personal benefit. I am doing it for my country. I am doing it for The Gambia,” he said.
He further stated that he has previously declined government appointments and is not motivated by the pursuit of public office. “Everybody knows I do not need a job. I do not need to be given anything. I am doing this for our country,” Faal added.
Addressing the leadership debate, Faal defended his character and record while suggesting that many Gambians view him as a credible candidate to lead the country.
“Nobody would tell you Essa is dishonest. Nobody would tell you that Essa does not have respect for people. Nobody would tell you Essa does not have integrity,” he said. “If you ask people, who do you think is the best person to lead Gambia in the present situation? I swear to God, a lot of the people will say, Essa.”
At the same time, he emphasized that APP-Sobeyaa is not insisting on becoming the dominant force within any potential alliance. “APP Sobeyaa does not have to be the big party. Essa does not have to be the big party or the big candidate. All i want to be is a good person for Gambia,” he said.
Faal also disclosed that coalition discussions involving the UDP remain ongoing and cautioned against drawing conclusions from public statements alone.
“I am in coalition talks, and I know that the UDP is there and talks are still ongoing. That speaks volumes,” he said. “In this business, what happens inside can be very different from what happens outside.”
He further revealed that parties participating in the coalition negotiations had agreed to maintain mutual respect and refrain from publicly criticizing one another. According to Faal, Darboe’s remarks appeared to violate that understanding.
“We have made a commitment, by all entities represented in these coalition talks, that we should treat each other with respect and dignity and not go out and speak ill of each other or criticise each other,” he said. “I see this as a breach of that commitment that was made by the UDP. But I leave it at that.”
Despite the disagreement, Faal said his focus remains on fostering unity among Gambians and building a coalition capable of challenging the current administration.
“I see that I have a responsibility to help unite Gambians into a common front and to help ensure that The Gambia puts up a team capable of defeating what I consider to be an inept government,” he said. “And I am doing my best at it.”
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