By Seedy Jobe
The National Youth President of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hagi Suwaneh, has accused the newly formed alliance between UNITE and the National Unity Party (NUP) of pursuing a political strategy aimed at preventing the UDP from forming the next government rather than presenting an alternative vision for The Gambia.
In a statement shared with Kerr Fatou on Thursday, Mr. Suwaneh urged Gambians, particularly young voters between the ages of 25 and 45, to reject what he described as “politics of deception” and instead support leadership with integrity and a clear agenda for national development.
Mr. Suwaneh criticized recent developments within Coalition 2026, arguing that UNITE’s decision to enter a party-to-party alliance with the NUP contradicted its earlier criticism of the UDP’s own alliance with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) during coalition negotiations.
He noted that UNITE remained within Coalition 2026 after the UDP withdrew from discussions over selecting a coalition flagbearer but has since entered into what he described as a similar party-led arrangement.
“Where are the moral principles? Or is it the Barrow syndrome? If you are looking for power, you can say anything?” Mr. Suwaneh said.
He also alleged that the UNITE-NUP agreement was strategically timed to influence the Coalition 2026 flagbearer selection process. According to Mr. Suwaneh, the involvement of NUP leader Lawyer Lamin J. Darboe in campaigning alongside Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda amounted to a political tactic intended to pressure other coalition members.
Mr. Suwaneh argued that UNITE’s political strategy is driven by opposition to the UDP rather than a governing agenda.
“Let us be clear, UNITE is not vision-motivated. They are driven by a mission. And the mission is simple: do everything to stop a UDP government,” he said.
He further claimed that the alliance’s primary objective is to demonstrate that UDP leader Ousainu Darboe is unelectable, even if, he argued, it delays meaningful national progress.
In contrast, Mr. Suwaneh said the UDP offers a program focused on job creation, constitutional reform, anti-corruption measures, and broader national transformation. He cautioned against, in his view, allowing political rivalry to outweigh the country’s long-term interests.
“Gambians deserve transformation, not experimentation. We deserve leadership that serves the people, not personal ambition,” Suwaneh said.
Mr. Suwaneh concluded by urging voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric and financial inducements, calling on them to choose what he described as “substance over optics” and “vision over mission.” He argued that the country needs a leader with experience, institutional knowledge, and the political will to implement reforms and expand economic opportunities.
UNITE and the National Unity Party have not publicly responded to Mr. Suwaneh’s remarks.
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