“You Can Imitate Us, but You Cannot Match Us,” Darboe Tells Political Rivals

By Seedy Jobe

United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and GFC-UDP alliance presidential candidate Ousainu Darboe has declared that political rivals may attempt to imitate his alliance but cannot match its strength, authenticity, or popular support.

Speaking on Monday at the alliance’s nomination rally at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding, Mr. Darboe told thousands of supporters that the massive turnout demonstrated growing public confidence in his leadership and his campaign’s promise of national renewal.

The rally followed his submission of nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) earlier in the day, in what has been described as his final presidential bid after more than three decades in Gambian politics.

“You can impersonate us, but you will not reach us,” Mr. Darboe declared, in an apparent message to his political opponents.

He described the gathering as unprecedented in The Gambia’s political history, arguing that the large turnout reflected the public’s determination to bring about a change of government in the December 5 presidential election.

Mr. Darboe thanked supporters for their continued trust and confidence, assuring them that he had heard their concerns and understood their expectations.

He said the thousands who accompanied him to the IEC had already delivered a powerful political message, demonstrating what he described as widespread belief in his ability to lead the country out of its current challenges.

The veteran opposition leader urged supporters to translate their enthusiasm into votes, warning that large political gatherings alone would not secure electoral victory.

He called on every supporter to become a campaign manager within their communities, constituencies, homes and classrooms, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization ahead of the election.

According to Mr. Darboe, the alliance’s campaign agenda of “One Term, One Mission, National Renewal” can only be realized through active voter participation.

He stressed that the ballot remains the most effective instrument for achieving peaceful democratic change and urged supporters to ensure a strong turnout on December 5.

Turning to the challenges confronting young Gambians, Mr. Darboe expressed concern over the growing number of youths undertaking dangerous irregular migration journeys, commonly known as the “backway.”

He attributed the trend to declining hope and limited opportunities at home, arguing that meaningful political change could help restore young people’s confidence in their country’s future.

Mr. Darboe maintained that the upcoming election offers Gambians an opportunity to address the economic and social conditions driving young people to risk their lives in search of better prospects abroad.

He also sought to appeal to voters beyond the UDP’s traditional support base, arguing that the difficulties facing Gambians transcend political affiliations.

According to him, supporters of the UDP, Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and ruling National People’s Party (NPP) are experiencing many of the same hardships, regardless of their political loyalties.

He described those shared struggles as a national wound that requires a collective response rather than partisan division.

Mr. Darboe said the December 5 election presents an opportunity to address those challenges through the ballot box, urging Gambians across the political spectrum to support his candidacy and the GFC-UDP alliance’s agenda for national renewal.

He maintained that the country’s future depends on voters setting aside political differences and using their votes to bring about the change they seek.