By Seedy Jobe
The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) Administrative Secretary I, Ebrima Nyang, says the opposition coalition remains capable of moving forward without the United Democratic Party (UDP), but acknowledged that the party’s withdrawal would deal a significant electoral blow ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Speaking on QTV’s This Morning program on Monday, Nyang described the UDP’s exit from coalition talks as disappointing, saying it had dampened the morale of all parties engaged in negotiations.
“It is not a source of inspiration,” Nyang said, adding that the coalition’s objective has always been to keep every opposition party and political movement at the negotiating table.
“We prefer to build the coalition, not reduce it,” he added.
Nyang acknowledged the UDP’s electoral strength, noting that the party secured about 238,000 votes in the last presidential election. Losing more than 200,000 potential votes, he said, would be a major setback for any opposition alliance seeking to unseat the incumbent.
“Even though, to be very blunt with you, UDP has the number that we need. But at the same time, we also have numbers in the room that the UDP needs,” he said.
Despite recognizing the significance of the UDP’s support base, Nyang maintained that the coalition is not entirely dependent on the party’s participation.
“There is no political party or movement that is bigger than what we started. So basically we believe it is possible for us to move ahead without the UDP. But I think it will be far better to have UDP in the discussion and move forward,” he said.
Nyang said the coalition has continued to attract interest from other political parties and movements interested in joining the alliance. Combined with support from undecided voters, he argued, those additions could strengthen the coalition’s prospects.
Looking ahead, he said coalition leaders should focus on expanding the alliance while preserving unity among existing members. “We need to keep everybody in the room,” he added.
Nyang also stressed the importance of every vote under The Gambia’s electoral system, noting that the 1997 Constitution requires only a simple majority to win the presidency.
“Every number matters,” he said. “The loss of even one significant voting bloc can prevent you from reaching State House, while every additional vote, regardless of its size, brings you closer to victory.”
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