Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Professor Sidat Yaffa has formally declared his entry into active politics, announcing his intention to contest the 2026 presidential election under the banner of the newly formed Gambia Movement (GM).
Speaking at GM’s inaugural National Press Briefing on Monday in Kanifing, Professor Yaffa said his transition from academia to politics officially begins with the submission of the party’s registration documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
“I have done my part at the University of The Gambia. My next life is political life, and it begins today with the submission of our registration documents to the Independent Electoral Commission,” he declared.
The press briefing, held at the Gambia Christian Council Compound along MDI Road, outlined GM’s vision to improve the well-being and dignity of Gambians while formally introducing Professor Yaffa as the party’s founding leader.
Born in Sandumisira in the Upper River Region, Professor Yaffa said his decision to seek national leadership is grounded in lived experience and long-standing concern about the socio-economic conditions of rural communities.
“I have seen deficiencies in the quality of life among our people, including myself,” he said. “With the education and experience I have acquired both in The Gambia and in the United States, I believe I would not be doing justice to that education if I did not help people.”
He described his academic achievements and international exposure as a responsibility entrusted to him to serve the nation.
“I strongly believe Allah gave me this education and experience so I can share it with my fellow citizens,” he added.
Professor Yaffa noted that his interest in leadership began early, recalling that he held leadership roles from primary school through his doctoral studies in the United States.
Reflecting on the 2014–2016 political period, he described it as a defining chapter that strengthened his resolve to engage more directly in national politics.
“Together with colleagues including Dr. Morro Kurbally, Vice President Fatoumata Tambajang-Jallow, the late Foday Nyabally, and Honourable James Gomez, we formed an underground movement known as Concerned Citizens for Democracy and Governance,” he said.
According to him, the group played a significant role in laying the groundwork for the 2016 coalition that led to the defeat of former President Yahya Jammeh. While acknowledging the coalition’s success and the election of President Adama Barrow, Professor Yaffa argued that governance challenges persist.
“We now have peace and security, but that is not enough,” he said. “I cannot sit down and watch what we created for the benefit of Gambians fall short of expectations.”
After 16 years of service at the University of The Gambia, Professor Yaffa said the time has come to dedicate himself fully to politics.
He also confirmed that the Gambia Movement is open to coalition talks, revealing that preliminary discussions have already taken place with five political parties, though he declined to name them pending the party’s registration by the IEC.
Any future coalition, he stressed, would be firmly grounded in law, with clear and binding agreements to ensure accountability.
“This coalition will be different from Coalition 2016. It will be based on law and written commitments,” he said.
Professor Yaffa concluded by expressing optimism about the future, saying the Gambia Movement is driven by a desire to secure better lives for future generations.
“We all want better lives for our children and grandchildren,” he said. “And together, we will make that happen.”
