Darboe Praises UDP Diaspora Convention, Says Turnout ‘Exceeded Our Expectations’

By Seedy Jobe

ANM Ousainu Darboe, the secretary general and party leader of the United Democratic Party, has praised the party’s recent diaspora convention, saying attendance surpassed organizers’ expectations and demonstrated strong unity among supporters abroad.

Speaking Tuesday in an interview with UDP Online Bantaba, Mr. Darboe thanked Gambians in the diaspora who attended and helped organize the gathering, saying the venue was filled to capacity.

“The turnout exceeded our expectations,” Mr. Darboe said.

He said he was particularly struck by the camaraderie among party supporters, including people who had previously known one another only by name but met in person at the convention and embraced like longtime friends.

Mr. Darboe described the gathering as a reflection of the UDP’s solidarity, arguing that the party has built a strong sense of community among its supporters at home and abroad.

He also said the convention raised a significant amount of money for the party, though he did not disclose the total. He characterized the contributions as voluntary and lawful, saying supporters donated without seeking personal benefits in return.

Mr. Darboe contrasted those contributions with what he described as a different culture of political giving elsewhere, where donors may expect favors or other benefits in exchange for their support.

He said the diaspora supporters’ principal expectation was to see the UDP form the government after the Dec. 5 presidential election.

Mr. Darboe concluded by thanking the diaspora chapters, organizers, and supporters for what he described as a successful convention and for their continued support of the party.