Dr. Lamin J. Darboe
By Staff Writer
Dr. Lamin J. Darboe, a legal scholar and an aspirant for the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) 2025 flagbearer position, has officially resigned from the party, effective Thursday, 25 September 2025. In a letter addressed to Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe, Senior Administrative Secretary of the UDP, Dr. Darboe cited principled reasons for his departure, emphasizing a commitment to democratic values, accountability, and transparent governance.
In his letter, Dr. Darboe acknowledged the UDP’s historical role in resisting tyranny and promoting democracy in The Gambia. He reflected on his personal contributions to the party, including strategic planning sessions with party leader Ousainu Darboe in London during the 2011 elections and his involvement as counsel in criminal trials following the Solo Sandeng electoral reform demonstrations. Despite these contributions, Dr. Darboe expressed frustration over internal party dynamics that he described as valuing loyalty over competence, discouraging dissent, and prioritizing expediency over principle.
“Within the party, I find myself increasingly isolated in a leadership culture that equates dissent with betrayal and consultation with inconvenience,” Dr. Darboe wrote. “A political environment that sidelines voices of conscience and suppresses scrutiny is incompatible with my understanding of democratic engagement between equals.”
Dr. Darboe emphasized that his resignation is not a retreat but a reaffirmation of his commitment to a broader civic mission: building a political culture in which ideas prevail over allegiance, and leadership is earned through merit rather than privilege. He outlined his vision for The Gambia, which includes:
- Establishing a model democracy in Africa where power genuinely rests with the people.
- Promoting accountability and transparency while maintaining zero tolerance for corruption and misuse of public resources.
- Ensuring equal access to quality education, healthcare, and social services for all citizens.
- Creating opportunities for youth to drive development, innovation, and national progress.
- Harnessing the talents of the Gambian diaspora to strengthen governance and economic growth.
- Cultivating unity in diversity while rejecting discrimination and exclusion.
Dr. Darboe also highlighted his concern over the UDP’s internal selection processes, particularly citing the 2021 flagbearer selection, in which he was denied even an interview. He argued that such practices undermine fairness and inclusivity and diminish the party’s credibility as a vehicle for national transformation.
“A party that cannot govern itself transparently cannot credibly promise or manage national reform,” Dr. Darboe said. “I can no longer lend my name, energy, and conscience to a structure that resists reform and punishes dissent.”
In closing, Dr. Darboe extended respect and solidarity to loyal UDP supporters while urging reflection on the party’s internal practices. He reaffirmed his dedication to justice, fairness, and dignity for all Gambians, emphasizing that meaningful engagement and principled leadership are essential for lasting contributions to the nation.
“With malice toward none, with charity for all,” he concluded.
Dr. Lamin J. Darboe, a legal scholar and advocate for democratic renewal, leaves the UDP with a call for inclusivity, meritocracy, and accountable governance, signaling a commitment to pursue his vision for The Gambia through alternative avenues in public life.