Darboe Says West Coast Voters “Did Not Make a Mistake” Electing Yankuba Darboe

By Seedy Jobe

United Democratic Party leader Ousainu Darboe has praised Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe, saying voters in the West Coast Region “did not make a mistake” when they elected him to lead the council.

Darboe made the remarks at a UDP-led alliance rally in Foni Sibanor, where he also acknowledged Councillor Kawsu Colley, Councillor Jainaba Jobe and other local officials in attendance.

Speaking to supporters, Darboe said Yankuba Darboe’s approach to leadership at the Brikama Area Council had brought what he described as a new model of local governance to the region.

He pointed in particular to the council’s allocation of locally generated revenue for development projects in communities represented by councillors.

“It has never happened in the West Coast Region that a chairman called councillors and told them, ‘The tax we have collected from the people is here; each and every one should take something to your community and go and do some work there,’” Darboe said. “It is Yankuba Darboe who did that.”

Darboe said the BAC chairman’s approach reflects the UDP’s broader vision for governance and demonstrates his understanding of the party’s policies.

“He understands those policies,” Darboe said. “But if he can do that as chairman of the council, what will I do for The Gambia, especially if I am president?”

Darboe said the UDP wants to begin building what he described as a “new Gambia” in 2027, centered on self-reliance and public officials who view leadership as an opportunity to serve rather than enrich themselves.

He also addressed concerns affecting women in Foni, including what he described as a lack of adequate community gardens. Darboe blamed the situation on the administration of President Adama Barrow and argued that councils led by the ruling National People’s Party had fallen behind other local authorities in development.

He further claimed that none of the NPP-led councils had accomplished even half of what Yankuba Darboe had achieved at the Brikama Area Council.

With The Gambia’s presidential election approaching, Darboe told supporters that voters would have an opportunity to decide the country’s direction at the ballot box. He urged residents of Foni to use their votes to pursue the political change they want.