Gambiaj.com – BANJUL, The Gambia) – A public disagreement between two prominent figures associated with the Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) and members of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has spilled into the open, exposing differences over the party’s 2021 electoral performance, loyalty to party leader Ousainou Darboe, and the future direction of the UDP.
The exchange began during a political debate on Eye Africa TV, where GALA figure Gallas Ceesay Jr. argued that President Adama Barrow’s re-election in 2021 was driven more by opposition to UDP leader Ousainou Darboe than by popular support for Barrow.
“In 2021, Gambians didn’t vote for Barrow; they voted against Ousainou Darboe,” Ceesay said during the programme.
His remarks were immediately challenged by fellow GALA member and recent UDP entrant Alhaji Mamadi Kurang, who took to Facebook to dismiss the claim.
Rather than dwelling on the 2021 election, Kurang urged Ceesay to focus on what he alleged were ongoing attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
“Come on dude… start talking about someone right now trying to manipulate data and steal at least 50,000 votes even before election day. Maybe that 50k will be your manufactured protest vote,” Kurang wrote, before questioning whether Ceesay was qualified to analyse election data.
Debate Escalates Into Personal Accusations
The disagreement quickly shifted from political analysis to personal attacks, with Ceesay questioning Kurang’s commitment to the UDP and his motivations for joining the party.
Ceesay maintained that his loyalty to Ousainou Darboe dated back years, recalling his support for the UDP leader during his prosecution and his role in campaigning for UDP candidates across the country.
He accused Kurang of previously attacking Darboe, claiming that Kurang only joined the UDP to secure political protection in anticipation of possible legal challenges involving former Attorney General Amie Bensouda.
“You don’t love UDP; you only joined them because you want public support in case Amie Bensouda comes for your neck,” Ceesay wrote, adding that despite joining the party, Kurang would “never belong to UDP.”
Kurang rejected the accusations, insisting that his support for the UDP predated Ceesay’s political involvement.
He defended his record, saying he had voted for and supported the UDP for many years while also explaining that his past disagreements with the party were based on principle. Kurang also highlighted his previous investigative work, including his service with the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, the Janneh Commission and an assignment in Liberia funded by the United States government, arguing that he had no reason to seek protection from anyone.
Comments on PPP Leaders
During the same Eye Africa TV debate, Ceesay also commented on two leaders of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Saikou Sawo and Neneh Cheyasin Seck-Kebbeh, questioning what they could offer the UDP beyond financial support.
“It will be very difficult for both Saikou Sawo and Neneh Cheyasin Seck-Kebbeh to fit into the UDP, and the only plus they can bring is financial support,” he said.
The remarks add to ongoing discussions within opposition circles over alliances and the integration of political figures ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election.
The public exchange between two senior GALA figures, both now associated with the UDP, comes at a time when opposition parties are seeking to project unity as political activity intensifies in the run-up to the December presidential election.
Their disagreement has drawn attention on social media, with many comments on party history and questions of loyalty within the opposition.
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