Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The United Democratic Party (UDP), under the leadership of its Secretary General and Party Leader, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, has unveiled plans for a nationwide tour set to begin next Thursday, 28th November 2024.

The tour, which aims to strengthen the party’s engagement with the electorate, will feature a combination of in-person visits and media appearances across various constituencies.

In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Lawyer Darboe confirmed that the tour would commence in the Lower Niumi Constituency, specifically at the village of Samba Kalla, followed by a subsequent gathering in the Upper Niumi Constituency at Pakau Njogu.

These initial engagements will be part of a series of courtesy calls as outlined in the UDP’s schedule, designed to connect with communities and listen to the concerns of the public.

The nationwide tour will run until 15th December 2024, with the final event slated to be a General Meeting in the country’s capital, Banjul. These interactions are expected to further solidify the UDP’s presence as a formidable political force in The Gambia.

While Darboe’s public engagements focus on strengthening party outreach, they come amid growing political tensions in The Gambia, with President Adama Barrow currently conducting his own nationwide “Meet The People” tour.

During his tour, Barrow has reiterated his intention to seek a third term in the upcoming 2026 presidential elections, a move that has generated both support and criticism.

As speculation grows around the 2026 election, Darboe, who is a veteran political leader, has remained tight-lipped about his plans.

While many expect the UDP to challenge Barrow’s bid for a third term, Darboe has not yet indicated whether he intends to run for the presidency again or if he will support a younger candidate within the party.

The forthcoming tour represents a significant opportunity for the UDP to consolidate its base and engage with the electorate ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive 2026 election season.

It remains to be seen whether Darboe’s movements will signal a shift in the party’s leadership approach or offer clarity on the party’s strategy for the next presidential race.