Sources: Essa Faal in Talks With NPP Over Possible 2026 Alliance

By Fatou Touray

Essa Mbye Faal, the APP-Sobeyaa presidential candidate, is in talks with President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party over a possible political alliance ahead of the Dec. 5 presidential election, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

The sources told Kerr Fatou that senior NPP figures have made overtures to Mr. Faal in recent weeks and that he has held discussions with officials of the ruling party.

People familiar with the talks said negotiations have progressed, although neither Mr. Faal nor the NPP has publicly announced an agreement.

The discussions follow earlier talks that reportedly took place between Mr. Faal and the United Democratic Party over a possible opposition alliance. Those negotiations ended without an agreement.

According to sources familiar with the UDP talks, Mr. Faal sought consideration for the vice-presidential position in a UDP-led coalition. Kerr Fatou has not independently confirmed the details of those discussions.
Mr. Faal subsequently began engaging with figures in the ruling party, according to the sources.

The discussions come months before Gambians head to the polls and as political parties seek to build alliances ahead of the presidential election.

Mr. Faal contested the 2021 presidential election as an independent candidate and has frequently criticized the Barrow administration.

He rose to national prominence as lead counsel of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, where he questioned witnesses during public hearings examining human rights violations committed during former President Yahya Jammeh’s rule.

He later entered electoral politics, contesting the 2021 presidential election before becoming the presidential candidate of APP-Sobeyaa.

No formal agreement between Mr. Faal and the NPP has been announced.