After running for the National Assembly seat in Lower Saloum in 2022 but losing, UDP candidate Halimatou Sowe has now joined the ruling NPP. Miss Sowe’s resignation adds to a series of high-profile defections from the main Gambian opposition political formation to the ruling party.

Miss Sowe served on the national and regional executive committees of the UDP.

She confirmed her resignation to The Standard on Wednesday, blaming her defection on the NPP government’s excellent performance. She said, “I see no reason why I should oppose a government that is doing tremendously well in almost all aspects of national development.”

“I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign as a sponsored candidate for Lower Saloum Constituency and as a member of the National and Regional Executive Committees of the United Democratic Party,” Miss Sowe wrote in her resignation letter, which was obtained by The Standard. This is in the best interests of the party as a whole as well as myself, given the current circumstances. I would want to use this opportunity to thank the United Democratic Party leadership and members for their love and support throughout the time I was a member of the UDP.”