Modou Turu Darboe, Businessman & ph
By Seedy Jobe
The Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Vision Development Foundation (VDF), philanthropist Modou Turo Darboe, has announced that he will formally enter Gambian politics in April 2026.
Darboe made the announcement on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during a meeting held in Tallinding, where he addressed supporters and members of the public, calling for national unity and openly challenging the country’s political establishment.
“I am coming into politics this April,” Darboe declared. “I don’t know where I will be, I don’t know how I will be, I don’t know what will happen, but anybody who loves Modou Turo should keep their vote until Modou Turo comes.”
He acknowledged that his earlier indications of a possible political debut in 2026 had already unsettled some political actors.
“There are many politicians who are ready to challenge me. Some of them are not comfortable with this, but I want to remind them that Turo is coming in April. Let them get ready for me,” he said.
Darboe insisted that his decision to enter politics is driven not by personal ambition, but by a desire to promote national cohesion.
“At this moment, I am not coming for politics alone. I am coming for a people’s movement for national unity — for the whole Gambia to be one. That is what we want in this country,” he stated.
He also questioned the performance of current elected and appointed officials, challenging them to account for their contributions to national development.
“I want to ask my honourables, the whole Gambia, all the council chairpersons and mayors: what have they done in this country?” Darboe asked. “I don’t want people to be deceived.”
Drawing a contrast between his own record and that of some public officials, Darboe criticised what he described as a lack of prior service among certain officeholders.
“Some of them say they are millionaires and this and that, but before they were appointed, what had they done for the people? This is very important,” he said.
Highlighting his philanthropic work, Darboe said he and his team have been serving The Gambia for over three decades.
“I, Turo, and my team have been working for the Gambia for a good 30 years, and the evidence is there,” he said, noting that he has sponsored 39 Gambian students to pursue master’s degrees. “Who among them was able to do that before they were appointed?”
He further reminded public officials that their salaries are paid from taxpayers’ money, stressing the need for accountability. Darboe also cited his national recognition, saying he has been named Gambian Philanthropist of the Year seven times and Gambian of the Year on three occasions.
Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Darboe predicted a crowded and divided political field, which he attributed to a “divide and rule” approach.
“You will see one thousand and one political parties in 2026. All of them want to be president,” he said, adding that his vision is for Gambians to “come together as one family.”
He advised voters to remain vigilant and demand accountability from politicians seeking their support.
“If anyone comes and gives you money, take it,” he said. “But ask them one question: you want to be president of The Gambia — what have you done for this country before?”
Darboe concluded by reiterating his long-standing community support, particularly in Serekunda.
“For 30 years, you can all bear witness that Modou Turo has been giving sugar to the people in this country,” he said.
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