APRC No-to-Alliance Faction Says NPP Alliance Could Pave Way for Jammeh’s Return, Unlike UDP

By Makutu Manneh

Halifa E. Jarju, Public Relations Officer of the APRC No-to-Alliance faction, has said that an alliance with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) could facilitate the return of former President Yahya Jammeh, whereas an alliance with the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) could not.

Jarju made the remarks during an appearance on Kerr Fatou, where he was asked about the faction’s political future ahead of the 2026 presidential election.

He explained that the conditions for any future alliance would differ depending on the party involved. According to Jarju, the UDP, as an opposition party, lacks the power to facilitate Jammeh’s return, while the NPP, as the party in government, has that capacity.

“Today, the NPP is the incumbent and the UDP is in opposition. Can we set a condition that if you want us to join you, former President Jammeh must return before the elections? The UDP cannot do that for us. But if we enter discussions with the NPP and place that condition before them, for Jammeh to come and participate, the NPP can do it if they wish. So the conditions would be different,” he said.

Jarju clarified, however, that his group is not currently in alliance talks with any political party, including the NPP and the UDP-led Gambia First coalition.

He also stressed that the APRC No-to-Alliance is a separate entity from the APRC faction led by Fabakary Tombong Jatta, which is already allied with the NPP, noting that while the two groups may share some interests, there is a clear distinction between an incumbent and an opposition party.