By Buba Gagigo
Amid swirling rumors of a leadership crisis within the United Democratic Party (UDP), both Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader, and Alagie S. Darboe, National Assembly Member for Brikama North, have addressed the situation.
The Mayor of Banjul City Council, Rohey Malick Lowe, recently asserted that there are elements within the party aiming to stage a coup against the UDP leader. However, both Lawyer Ousainu Darboe and Alagie S. Darboe categorically dismissed these allegations during a joint statement on Sunday.
“There is no infighting within the UDP,” Alagie S. Darboe emphasized. “Our party remains cohesive, organized, and focused. Our 2024 activities are meticulously documented, guided by a clear calendar. Any deviation from this calendar is not endorsed by the UDP and should not be entertained by any party member. Let me be clear: there is no plan to select a new party flag bearer in 2024. Our current leader was elected in 2022/2023 and will serve until 2026. There is no crisis within the UDP.”
Lawyer Ousainu Darboe echoed this sentiment, asserting his commitment to lead the party until the 2026 congress. “I am the UDP leader today, and I have no intention of resigning before the 2026 congress,” he stated. “I have unwavering support from our members. Rest assured, no one within the party harbors ill intentions towards me. The UDP remains strong and united.”
Both Lawyer Ousainu Darboe and Alagie S. Darboe delivered these comments at the United Democratic Party Manjai Bureau, where five prominent members of the NPP officially joined the party on Sunday.