Ebrima Dibba Urges UNITE Supporters to Focus on Defeating President Barrow

By Fatou Sillah

Ebrima Dibba, the national president of the UNITE Party, has urged the party’s supporters to avoid political battles with other opposition groups and concentrate instead on what he described as their central objective: defeating President Adama Barrow in the December 2026 presidential election.

Mr. Dibba said the National People’s Party, which Mr. Barrow leads, should remain the focus of UNITE’s political efforts, arguing that disputes within the opposition would divert attention and resources from challenging the incumbent.

“Our target is NPP and not any other party in the opposition,” Mr. Dibba said. “The more we invest all of our time, effort, and resources in defeating the incumbent, the closer we will be to achieving our objective.”

His remarks come as opposition parties seek to strengthen their positions ahead of the election, with questions of alliances and possible cooperation increasingly shaping the political conversation.

Mr. Dibba said UNITE is making progress in expanding its support and building partnerships, adding that Gambians from different political and social backgrounds were joining the party and encouraging others to do the same.

He said the party’s presidential candidate and its message of “hope, unity, and progress” were gaining traction among voters.

Mr. Dibba also accused President Barrow and the NPP of seeking to exploit disagreements among opposition parties, claiming the governing party was concerned about UNITE’s growing support.

“Barrow and his NPP are worried about our growing success, and they are trying to fan rancor, division, and distractions within the opposition ranks, hoping that would save them from defeat,” he said.

Mr. Dibba did not provide evidence to support the allegation, and the NPP has not been quoted responding to the claim.

He called on UNITE supporters to remain disciplined and focused in the months leading up to the election, saying their efforts should be directed toward bringing about a change of government rather than engaging in disputes with fellow opposition parties.