Information Minister Says UDP Support Is Eroding Despite Large 30th Anniversary Turnout

By Fatou Sillah

The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has said the United Democratic Party’s support base is shrinking, despite the large crowd that attended the party’s 30th anniversary celebration in Brikama on Sunday.

In an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay congratulated the UDP on three decades of political activity but said the turnout at the anniversary event had not changed his assessment of the party’s standing.

“UDP is dwindling; their support base is eroding,” he said. “They are not a threat to the mighty NPP and allied parties.”

Dr. Ceesay also questioned whether the UDP had presented itself as a credible alternative to the governing National People’s Party, arguing that the opposition party had yet to clearly explain how it would address some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

“What I can tell you is that they are not the alternative that Gambians are looking for,” he said. “They have not really convincingly given Gambians an alternative in terms of how they will deal with some of the challenges that this country is facing or is about to face.”

Still, Dr. Ceesay acknowledged the UDP’s role in The Gambia’s political history and praised the party for its longevity.

“Nonetheless, congratulations to them for 30 years of resilience, 30 years of contribution to the Gambian political theater,” he said. “We appreciate everything they have done for this country on the political front, and I wish them all the best.”

Turning to the government’s record, Dr. Ceesay said President Adama Barrow’s administration was focused both on meeting the immediate needs of Gambians and preparing the country for future challenges.

He pointed to government programs in electricity, access to clean water, education, health care, and agriculture as examples of efforts aimed at improving living conditions.

Dr. Ceesay said the administration was also investing in infrastructure and human capital, describing those efforts as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s long-term development and resilience.