Gambiaj.com – (Seattle, US) – United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe has declared his party’s readiness to take on the 2026 general elections, calling for a united front to unseat the current administration, which he accused of entrenched corruption and governance failure.

Speaking at a high-profile fundraiser in Seattle on Saturday, Darboe addressed supporters and party officials in the diaspora, outlining the UDP’s vision for national renewal under the “Gambia First Agenda.” The event raised over $111,000, according to the party’s Media Secretary Tombo Saidy.

“This gathering is proof that the UDP family is united, strong, and ready for any challenges,” Darboe said. “The journey we began in 1996 continues, and our mission remains a Gambia that is free, democratic, and forward-looking.”

In a speech that struck both a defiant and hopeful tone, Darboe painted a bleak picture of life under President Adama Barrow and the NPP-led government, accusing it of presiding over “total and systemic governance failure” rooted in “endemic corruption” and “a total lack of accountability.”

“Every dalasi stolen is a hospital bed not bought, a teacher or police officer not paid adequately, a road not built, or a disabled child left behind,” he said.

With the 2026 polls drawing near, Darboe urged supporters to remain focused and reject internal divisions, stressing that the UDP is the only party with a credible, people-centered alternative.

He also hinted at broad opposition cooperation to remove the Barrow administration, stating, “Anyone working to remove the NPP from power is welcome.”

The UDP leader outlined key pillars of his party’s Gambia First Agenda, including the creation of an independent Anti-Corruption Commission, cuts to wasteful government spending—starting with the Office of the President—and greater investments in health, education, energy, agriculture, and rural development.

“Honesty and integrity are not mere slogans for us. They are tools for real leadership. Honest leaders will not be corrupt—and they will not tolerate corruption,” he emphasized.

Darboe also hailed the Gambian diaspora as vital actors in national development. “You are not just remittance senders. You are nation builders,” he said, urging them to mobilize support and votes ahead of the 2026 elections.

The Seattle event was the second of its kind and drew prominent UDP figures including Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mansakonko Area Council Chairman Landing B. Sanneh, and Lamin Dibba.

The strong turnout and fundraising success were hailed by organizers as signs of momentum heading into the election season.

“Our mission for 2026 is simple: go for every vote, everywhere, and secure those votes until they are cast and counted,” Darboe concluded.