By Seedy Jobe
The Secretary General and Party Leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, on Friday officially welcomed former National People’s Party (NPP) Chairman of Mariama Kunda, Mbemba Sanneh, along with several respected community elders, into the UDP, assuring them that both new and longstanding members would enjoy equal status within the party as it prepares for the next electoral contest.
Speaking at a reception held in their honor, Darboe described the defections as part of a broader national effort to address the country’s challenges and promote political change.
He likened The Gambia’s current difficulties to a wound requiring collective action to heal, arguing that meaningful solutions can only emerge through a united commitment to good governance.
“The burden placed on the whole country is a wound, a wound whose medicine is with them, the government. You will take it, add it to the UDP’s medicine, and treat Gambia’s wound,” Darboe said.
The UDP leader told the new members that history would remember those who played a role in ending what he described as poor governance. He also urged party officials to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts and directed executives, including Sanneh, to provide updates on new members recruited into the party.
Darboe further stated that a future UDP administration would recognize and honor individuals who sacrificed for democracy, citing the late Solo Sandeng and Lang Marong as examples of party members whose contributions and sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“We are not going to be a government that neglects people who died for us. That is why we have not forgotten them, and we cannot forget them,” he said.
Welcoming Sanneh into the party, Darboe stressed the importance of unity, discipline, and inclusiveness within the UDP.
“We welcome you to the UDP. We are all equal in the UDP,” he declared.
He also called on party supporters to conduct their political campaigns with civility and respect, urging them to avoid insults and personal attacks while engaging voters with humility.
“Respect is the only way to earn support. Without it, you gain nothing and may even lose,” he told supporters.
For his part, Mbemba Sanneh said his decision to leave the NPP and join the UDP was driven entirely by personal conviction rather than financial inducement or political favors.
“I never joined UDP after the APRC government. I joined the NPP, and I am the one who built the NPP in Mariama Kunda. However, for many years, UDP members have been inviting me to join their party. I told them that if I ever joined any party, it would be according to my own will and conviction, not because of money,” he said.
Sanneh explained his decision through a Mandinka proverb about inevitable change, comparing his political transition to approaching rain that cannot be prevented and will catch the unprepared by surprise. He described his move to the UDP as firm and irreversible.
He disclosed that he had informed his NPP colleagues of his decision after years of working together without conflict, emphasizing that his choice was final.
“Yesterday, I informed my colleagues that although I have worked with them for a long time without any problems, I have now finally decided to join the UDP. There’s no turning back,” he said.
Sanneh maintained that his decision was motivated solely by his assessment of the country’s current situation, arguing that Gambians from all walks of life recognize the challenges facing the nation.
“The reality on the ground is clear to everyone. Whether young or old, every head of a household understands the situation we are facing,” he said.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the UDP’s prospects and said he looked forward to celebrating with Darboe following the next elections.
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