People’s Alliance Party Plans 2026 Presidential Bid, Manneh Says

By Fatou Sillah

Ebrima Tabora Manneh, leader of the People’s Alliance Party, says his party plans to contest The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election, brushing aside suggestions that the relatively little-known party lacks the support needed to challenge the country’s more established political forces.

Speaking on EyeAfrica TV, Manneh said the People’s Alliance Party, or PAP, was formed because of dissatisfaction with the direction of the country and a belief that The Gambia needs a different approach to governance.

“Right now, by the grace of God, we are going to contest,” Manneh said. “People say many things. Some even say that we are a small party, people don’t know us and that we are not going to win, but we believe in ourselves.”

While insisting that the PAP remains committed to the principles behind its formation, Manneh left open the possibility of cooperation with other political groups or candidates whose priorities align with those of his party.

“Our position when we were forming the party is that we saw something we were not satisfied with, and the way they are governing the country is not good,” he said. “If we see someone that we have a similar vision with, we might join them.”

Manneh said he has held discussions with political figures across party lines, including members of the United Democratic Party and people associated with the incumbent government.

He also predicted that more opposition figures could defect to the government ahead of the presidential election, suggesting that some politicians may be attracted by the influence and privileges that come with proximity to power.

Manneh criticized what he described as an excessive preoccupation with political power and personal privilege, arguing that public service should be driven by the national interest rather than individual ambition.

He also rejected the use of ethnic identity as a political tool, saying The Gambia’s challenges require policies that serve the country as a whole rather than appeals to tribal affiliation.