Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)-  In the midst of growing speculation about who to lead the United Democratic Party in next year’s presidential election in The Gambia, Chairman of Brikama Area Council Yankuba Darboe has made a surprising statement. He declared that if Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, a prominent figure in the United Democratic Party, is seeking the party’s flagbearership, he will not be putting himself forward as a candidate. The announcement came shortly after the UDP announced that the application process for their party’s flagbearer is now open for eligible individuals. ‘’My words are my bond, Darboe emphasized. I promised not to seek for UDP flagbearership, if Lawyer Darboe is seeking for it, and since Lawyer Darboe had announced that he will be seeking for it, I wish to notify you all that I will not be applying for it, he stated.

This pronouncement has sparked a debate among political analysts and party sympathizers.  Ousman Njie said, ‘’this is not democracy, remember it is said United DEMOCRATIC Party. So it is a process to solidify and exercise democratic principles by standing against anyone for the flagbearer position as long as you are interested in it. I don’t think anything is wrong in challenging the party leader, it will only legitimize his position as flagbearer if he wins than acquiring it unopposed. Charity begins at home, change must start from within then it can be extended outside, Njie said.

For Ebrima Drammeh, ‘’I respect your decision but I am disappointed. I love Baba Lawyer Ousainu Darboe for his leadership, dedication and commitment to change our country but I do think that it is time for him to resign and allow young, educated, talented, fearless and capable leaders like you to lead. Baba always won the election but he did not want to fight to get to the finish line. I believe you are more inspiring, determined and willing to take action that will liberate our country from corruption than any current politician. With don’t steal, don’t lie mantra we will be able to change our country for better. I don’t believe we ever have the type of leadership you have demonstrated in the country since the first republic. So you are our best hope to forever change our people’s mindset about governance, public service and the role of leadership. I urge you to seek the presidential nomination because it will demonstrate that UDP is Democratic Party, Drammeh explains.

The party said it will close the application process on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, then the Selection Committee will thereafter undertake a rigorous vetting and consultation process in line with both the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia and the prescribed rules of the UDP. The process, according to a statement issued by the party, will culminate in the official announcement of the UDP Presidential Flagbearer on Wednesday, 10th September 2025.