APP-Sobeyaa Confirms Talks With Ruling NPP Over Possible 2026 Alliance

By Staff Writer

APP-Sobeyaa has confirmed that it is holding talks with the ruling National People’s Party over a possible political alliance ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election, validating reports published last week by Kerr Fatou and other news outlets.

The reports said that APP-Sobeyaa, led by Essa Mbye Faal, was engaged in discussions with the NPP about potentially joining forces for the December election. Neither APP-Sobeyaa nor the NPP publicly confirmed or denied the reports at the time.

In a statement issued today, Sept. 9, APP-Sobeyaa acknowledged that the NPP was among the political parties and formations with which it was holding discussions about possible alliances and coalition arrangements.

“The Party Executive has been mandated by Congress to explore and engage in discussions with political parties and formations on possible alliances and coalition arrangements in the national interest and in the interest of APP-Sobeyaa,” the party said. “This mandate explains the Party’s engagement with the various coalition and alliance initiatives currently taking place in the country, including the NPP.”

The acknowledgment is notable given Mr. Faal’s history of sharp criticism of President Adama Barrow and his administration. Mr. Faal, who challenged Mr. Barrow in the 2021 presidential election, has frequently criticized the government’s record on governance and other national issues.

APP-Sobeyaa stressed, however, that its discussions with the NPP and other political groups should not be interpreted as a final decision to enter an alliance.

According to the party, its executive has authority only to engage prospective partners, assess proposals, and report the outcome of those discussions to the party. Any final decision on its political alignment ahead of the presidential election must be approved by its Congress.

“The ultimate decision on APP-Sobeyaa’s position ahead of the 2026 Presidential Election rests with the Party’s Congress and not with any individual,” the statement said.

The party said it had designated its national spokesperson and lead negotiator, Ousainou Bobb, to serve as its focal point for coalition negotiations. Mr. Bobb is responsible for conducting discussions on behalf of the party and reporting their outcome to the executive and, ultimately, Congress.

APP-Sobeyaa also sought to emphasize its institutional structure, saying that the party “does not revolve around any individual” and that disagreements among members should not necessarily be interpreted as internal division.

The party urged supporters and the public to distinguish between preliminary political discussions and a final decision on whom it will support or align with in the election.

“APP-Sobeyaa will not be bullied or swayed by insults, intimidation, or social media pressure,” the statement said. “We will listen to everyone, but no one will dictate to us.”

The party said it would announce its final decisions regarding its recent alliance talks after consultations with its executive and other relevant party structures.

The confirmation adds a new dimension to the political maneuvering ahead of the 2026 presidential election, as parties continue discussions over alliances and coalitions before voters head to the polls.