Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Two senior militants of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Nanama Keita and Yunus Hydara, have reignited the debate over Ousainou Darboe’s continued leadership, accusing the veteran politician of monopolizing the party’s flagbearer position to the detriment of younger contenders, particularly Banjul Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda.
Keita and Hydara argue that Darboe’s nearly three-decade tenure as party leader, marked by five unsuccessful presidential bids, has left the UDP stagnant and vulnerable ahead of the next election. They warned that if the party blocks Bensouda’s ambitions, he should consider leaving for a platform that would allow him to contest freely.
Nanama Keita: “UDP Is Allergic to Criticism”
In a strongly worded statement, Keita accused Darboe of running the UDP in ways that contradict its democratic values. He criticized what he described as a culture of intolerance within the party whenever questions are raised about Darboe’s leadership.
“When Darboe was vice president in the coalition government, not one, not two, but three of his family members benefited from free land allocations in prime areas where a single plot could fetch over D5 million,” Keita said. “Meanwhile, ordinary supporters are struggling with leaking roofs this rainy season.”
Keita contrasted the treatment of Darboe with that of President Adama Barrow, noting that Gambians freely criticize the president without facing harassment. “But dare to even respectfully suggest that Lawyer Darboe should consider passing the baton to someone else, and suddenly the sky will come crashing down,” he said.
He also accused the UDP of announcing an open flagbearer application process while secretly working to discourage potential challengers. “You can’t publicly announce a supposedly democratic process only to elbow out applicants through threats and emotional blackmail,” Keita charged.
Yunus Hydara: “Darboe’s Ambition Is a Dead End”
Yunus Hydara echoed these concerns, warning that the party risks losing relevance if it continues to center its strategy around Darboe’s presidential ambition.
“Being a UDP member at this point is extremely difficult,” Hydara said. “We are confronted with what should be a simple decision, yet it has been complicated by the pursuit of an elusive, lost glory. Continuing to rally behind Hon. Darboe has become a dead end. While it may offer some a sense of loyalty, it will ultimately collapse.”
Hydara urged Darboe to step aside in the party’s and country’s best interests. “If his sacrifices are truly for The Gambia, the right course of action is clear. If not, history will judge him accordingly,” he warned.
The PPP Opens Its Doors to Bensouda
As the succession debate intensifies within UDP, figures from the former ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are openly courting Mayor Bensouda.
Kebba Nanko, a PPP militant, called on Bensouda to “come back home,” pointing to the historic ties between Bensouda’s late father and PPP’s founding leader, former President Dawda Jawara.
“The PPP has successfully tested internal democracy and changed its leadership. We now have a dynamic young leader, Ousman Madikay Faal, who is spearheading comprehensive reforms,” Nanko wrote. “Don’t go independent or form a new party — that divides strength. Instead, join hands with PPP, which has the history, structure, and national reach to help you achieve your aspirations.”
The latest developments highlight growing tensions within the UDP as pressure mounts for generational change, with Talib Bensouda emerging as the figure many militants believe could reinvigorate the opposition’s bid for State House.
