Ousainu ANM Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader UDP
By Seedy Jobe
The Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer Ousainu ANM Darboe, has asserted that the UDP remains the only credible platform through which a change of government can be achieved in The Gambia at this time.
Mr. Darboe made the remarks on Saturday, January 31, 2026, while delivering a speech to welcome former presidential aspirant Alagie Suwareh into the party. In his address, he positioned the UDP as the central force in any future political coalition and called on other political actors to put aside individual ambitions in the interest of national unity.
“To speak of political conditions is to accept that there cannot be a successful or viable coalition without the UDP,” Darboe said. “If you accept that reality, then let us forget about our individual parties and come together because, to be quite candid, for the time being, the UDP is the only credible vehicle through which there can be a change of government in this country.”
He emphasized that a change of government is essential to reforming state institutions and governance systems, noting that the UDP has already outlined a clear framework for such reforms.
“When you have a change of government, then you change the systems,” he said. “That change is manifested in our five-point agenda and in our programme, The Gambia We Want. That is how we will be able to transform our country.”
Darboe also criticized what he described as a self-serving focus on power-sharing arrangements among some political groups, arguing that genuine national interest should take precedence over the pursuit of positions.
“Anybody who says they will make power sharing their objective does not want this country; they are looking for positions,” he said. “To seek positions through a coalition is not fair to the Gambian people.”
While reaffirming the UDP’s openness to cooperation, Darboe stressed that any alliance or coalition must be based on principles and reflect political realities.
“The UDP will remain open to a united front of whatever description, whether you call it an alliance or a coalition,” he said. “But it must be a united front founded on principles. Everywhere in the world, it is the major party that leads. Anyone seeking to delegitimize the UDP’s position is engaging in something we cannot allow.”
The UDP leader also questioned the credibility of politicians who invoke national interest in the post-2016 era, contrasting their stance with his own record of resistance during the period of authoritarian rule between 1996 and April 2016.
“A post-2016 politician telling me ‘in the interest of the country, let us do this’—I ask, where were you in 1996?” Darboe said. “At that time, many of those who have now formed parties described me as the greatest patriot in this country.”
He recalled the personal sacrifices he made in opposing dictatorship, stating that he risked his life and the safety of his family in openly defying authoritarian rule.
“I never pursued selfish personal interests,” he said. “I faced a dictatorship, put my life and the lives of my family at risk, and openly said that this country could not continue under that kind of government.”
Darboe further emphasized his long-standing commitment to public service, noting that he declined international appointments to remain in The Gambia and contribute to building a governance system that serves the people.
“I chose to stay in my country to ensure that we establish a system of government that serves the best interests of the Gambian people,” he said.
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