Darboe Urges Supporters to Turn Rally Enthusiasm Into Votes After Rain Disrupts Fajikunda Gathering

By Seedy Jobe

Ousainu Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has urged supporters to translate their enthusiasm into votes in the December 5 presidential election, declaring that his party offers the solution to The Gambia’s challenges.

Mr. Darboe made the remarks in a video message on Wednesday after heavy rain forced organizers to cut short a major opposition rally at the Fajikunda Bajonkoto Football Field, preventing him from addressing the thousands of supporters who had gathered.

The event, dubbed “Percentenge Bi Vol. 2,” was organized by the Gambia First Coalition in the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) as part of its campaign mobilization efforts ahead of the presidential election.

In his recorded address, Mr. Darboe expressed gratitude to supporters at home and abroad, praising the large turnout despite the rally having been organized in fewer than four days.

He credited the event’s success to the collective efforts of the Gambia First Coalition partners, emphasizing that the mobilization extended beyond the UDP’s membership. He also thanked those who contributed financial and logistical resources and supporters who remained at the venue despite the downpour.

But Mr. Darboe cautioned that large crowds alone would not secure an electoral victory.

He urged supporters to become grassroots campaign organizers in their communities, households, and social circles, particularly by reaching out to undecided voters.

“Talk to each other and convince those who are not with you to come over to the UDP,” he said. “Because the Gambia’s solution today is the United Democratic Party; forget about the distractions.”

Mr. Darboe also called for discipline among the party’s supporters on social media, urging those active on Facebook and TikTok to focus on promoting the UDP’s political message rather than engaging in personal attacks and online disputes.

Addressing Bayo Sonko specifically, he warned against allowing political exchanges to divert attention from the coalition’s electoral objectives.

“You know your mission; your mission is to rescue this country,” Mr. Darboe said. “And you cannot rescue this country if you get involved in trivial exchanges. Don’t do it. And to all our people, please let’s not allow people to distract us.”

His remarks underscored an effort to channel the enthusiasm displayed at the rally into sustained voter outreach as the opposition intensifies its campaign ahead of the December election.

Mr. Darboe concluded by renewing his appreciation to supporters and calling on Gambians living in Europe, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Germany, to attend a major gathering scheduled for Saturday, October 10, in Spain.