Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The political landscape in The Gambia continues to shift as the National Democratic Party (NDP) announced the defection of Molly Cham, the Youth Chairman of Sanneh Mentereng Constituency, from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). His departure is the latest in a series of high-profile youth resignations weakening the NPP’s grassroots base ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Cham, known as a dynamic and respected youth figure in his constituency, cited the NPP’s failure to deliver on promises of youth empowerment, transparency, and a long-term national vision.

In a public statement confirming his resignation, Cham pledged his full support to the NDP, which he described as a party “fueled by genuine grassroots engagement and a leadership that listens.”

His decision to cross the aisle adds to a growing movement of young leaders abandoning the NPP, expressing dissatisfaction with what they view as unfulfilled promises and top-down leadership. This trend is reshaping the electoral battleground, with the youth vote becoming an increasingly contested and influential bloc.

“The era of blind loyalty is over,” an NDP spokesperson said. “Youth support must now be earned through action, respect, and real opportunity.”

Cham’s defection comes just days after Nuha Ndong, the NPP’s Deputy Ward Chairman and Youth Coordinator for Pirang Ward in Kombo East, also tendered his resignation and joined the NDP. In a letter dated June 26, 2025, Ndong thanked his former colleagues for their cooperation and goodwill but announced that he was leaving the party effective immediately.

“It was a great pleasure working with the party,” Ndong wrote. “As of now, I am no longer a member of the party. I thank every member of the National People’s Party for the good rapport and unity we shared.”

The NDP, a newly formed political entity, has positioned itself as a reformist party with strong appeal among young voters. With mounting defections and increasing public discontent over governance issues, it is rapidly emerging as a serious challenger to the ruling party’s dominance.

As the 2026 election season heats up, the defections of Cham and Ndong may signal broader dissatisfaction among the youth and further destabilize the NPP’s support in key constituencies.