By Makutu Manneh
Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council and a senior member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has dismissed the prospect of a coalition between the UDP and Essa Faal’s APP-Sobeyaa, citing fundamental disagreements over leadership selection.
Speaking in an interview with QTV, Darboe said the positions of both parties on leadership are too far apart to allow for a viable political alliance.
“If I am to be honest with myself and everyone, I don’t think UDP will ever be able to have a coalition with Essa Faal. Essa Faal has made his position clear, and our position is also very clear,” Darboe said.
According to him, the key point of contention is the selection of a coalition flagbearer. He noted that while Faal has publicly opposed what he describes as the “coronation” of a presidential candidate, the UDP believes its leader should naturally lead any alliance because of the party’s political strength and support base.
“He said he will not accept coronation, and to us coronation is what we want; we want our party leader to be coronated. He is the leader of our party; we are the biggest party,” Darboe said.
Despite ruling out a partnership with APP-Sobeyaa, Darboe indicated that the UDP remains open to coalition-building ahead of future elections. However, he emphasized that any such arrangement would be led by the UDP and would differ from the coalition models currently being discussed in political circles.
Commenting on the 2021 presidential election, Darboe alleged that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) manipulated the outcome and vowed that the UDP would not allow a repeat in future elections.
He maintained that the party would accept an electoral defeat only if the results clearly reflected the will of the voters.
Darboe also expressed confidence in the UDP’s prospects in the next presidential election, urging party supporters to remain optimistic while avoiding complacency.
He noted that the UDP often performs best when its supporters remain vigilant and focused rather than overly confident, adding that he believes the party is well-positioned to secure victory in the upcoming polls.
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