Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In an interview with Kerr Fatu TV, Gambia’s opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, of the United Democratic Party (UDP), shared insights on the stalled draft constitution and the Government of The Gambia officially announcing its decision to re-gazette the Draft Constitution, internal party debates, and accusations of abuse of office during his tenure as vice president.
Addressing the 2020 draft constitution, Darboe highlighted that his party fully supported the inclusion of diaspora voting. “When that new constitution came, the draft came, which provided for diaspora voting, we all voted for it. Every member of the United Democratic Party in that house voted for it. It is not us who voted against it,” Darboe emphasized. He distanced the UDP from responsibility for the draft’s failure, pointing fingers at those who voted against it.
Darboe expressed concern over the lack of consultations surrounding the constitution’s revision. “There have been no consultations with us, which I think is unfortunate. I think there have still not been consultations with UDP, but consultations with all other political parties and even the CSOs,” he lamented. According to Darboe, a national document like the constitution should be subject to broad consultations and not be kept under wraps. He also warned that any significant alterations to the original draft would trigger UDP’s opposition: “If any provision is omitted from that draft, from the original draft, we will vote against it.”
When questioned about President Barrow’s stance on term limits and the possibility of the 2026 election marking his second term, Darboe maintained that any decision would depend on the draft’s presentation. “Let the constitution, as drafted by the CRC, come to the committee. And then we will decide what to do with that particular provision. But I will not on this spot say what our desire or wishes are,” he noted, indicating the UDP’s cautious approach.
The interview also touched on internal UDP debates regarding potential candidates for the 2026 presidential election. While the party continues to rally behind Darboe as a strong contender, the rise of figures like Talib Bensouda, Rohey Malick Lowe, Yankuba Darboe, and Lamin Sanneh has sparked discussions. Darboe acknowledged the diverse opinions within the party.
According to Ousainou Darboe, the internal disagreements are simply the result of apparent misunderstandings, but he remains confident that differing views will not undermine their commitment.
About UDP militants loyal to his the UDP leader calling Talib Bensouda names like “Narr camp”, Ousainou Darboe says he doesn’t think such behavior of name calling happened. However the UDp leader said if it happens, it will be “unfortunate“.
Despite the recent strong push by some UDP militants for change at the top level of the party, Ousainou Darboe says he does feel like being pushed out of his position. “I don’t feel it because it’s not happening. I don’t feel that I’m being pushed out because it is not happening. It is not happening. But then, as I say, everyone has a right,” Darboe said. According to him, the rift between Rohey Malick Lowe and Talib Bensouda is simply a domestic squabble that happens in every home. “Aspiring to the leadership of UDP does not mean that you are disloyal… If you see things differently, you are right to express them. But it does not affect the root of our commitment to the party,” Darboe explained.
Whether he will run for the 2026 presidential election, Ousainou Darboe says one should not “tend to forget the transient nature of man“. He stated that the selection of a UDP flag bearer will follow a process that will be validated by the party’s executive at the appropriate time. Darboe emphasized that his current role is to maintain party unity until the flag bearer is formally chosen by the executive.
Darboe also addressed allegations of land deals linked to his tenure as vice president, dismissing them as baseless. “My wife and my daughter never applied for land when I was a minister or vice president. They must be equally misleading people when they say I sent somebody to him,” Darboe asserted.
He challenged the Ministry of Lands to produce any applications proving otherwise. Darboe emphasized his stance against corruption and misuse of office, recalling a statement he made in Spain, where he urged an investigation into the matter and committed to ensuring any improperly acquired land would be surrendered. “That is why in Spain I said look, prepare, let this matter be investigated, and if my wife or my daughter is found to have acquired this land improperly, I will prevail on them. I want them to surrender it. I said that in Spain. Because I know my stand on corruption, I know my stand on misuse and abuse of office. Throughout my life, since I returned from studies, I have tried to live a life of rectitude, I have tried to lead a life that my children and grandchildren can be proud of,” Ousainou Darboe explained.
The UDP leader stated that while his family applied for plots of land in a layout, President Barrow took possession of a government property in Fajara. According to Ousainou Darboe, the focus on his family is merely an attempt to divert attention from the misappropriation of the Fajara property.
As the 2026 presidential race draws closer, Darboe’s remarks provide a glimpse into the UDP’s strategy, internal dynamics, and the party’s firm stance on the constitutional draft that has sparked nationwide debate.
