Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Yahya Menteng Sanyang, a parliamentarian for the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Latrikunda Sabiji, has called on Imam Abdoulie Fatty and his supporters advocating for the repeal of the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), to assist in fortifying the UDP’s candidacy for president in 2026. Sanyang’s appeal comes after the National Assembly voted to uphold the ban on FGM.

Sanyang has asserted that if the Salafi Imam and his followers accept his offer of assistance, the UDP will stand up for Islam.

However, within some UDP leadership circles, Sanyang’s stance has sparked contentious debate. Some party members have characterized Imam Fatty and Hon. Almameh Gibba as fierce rivals of the UDP and accused them of inciting unrest in the country under the guise of religious advocacy.

On Monday, except one member, every UDP National Assembly Member (NAM) present in the session, voted in favor of lifting the ban on female circumcision. Sanyang appears to see the divisive FGM issue as an opportunity to lure Imam Fatty and his supporters into a convenient coalition ahead of the 2026 presidential election. Despite claiming that his appeal is not politically motivated, Sanyang’s reasoning suggests otherwise.

In a widely shared WhatsApp recording, Sanyang urged Imam Fatty and his adherents to support the UDP, framing it as a party that will stand up for Islam and Muslims. He declared that 98% of the protesters who accompanied Imam Fatty to the National Assembly on Monday were UDP militants, and emphasized that the UDP is not the only Muslim or political party in the nation.

Sanyang claimed that their only motivation is to uphold Islam and called on Imam Fatty and other religious scholars to back the UDP in its bid to take power in 2026. He extended his plea by stating that the measure is not against politics but rather for religion and the confidence that UDP supporters have placed in religious authorities.

He also urged Imam Fatty and his followers to support the UDP so that imams and Islamic school instructors would receive government salaries if the UDP emerges victorious in the 2026 elections.