Yankuba Darboe, the chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC) and one of the key UDP figures seen as a formidable challenger to Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, has rescinded his decision to seek UDP flagbearer role and has now thrown his full weight behind the UDP leader.
The BAC chair did not hide his intention to lead the United Democratic Party into the 2026 presidential election if the UDP leader was not interested in leading the party’s electoral war efforts against President Barrow and the governing NPP, but since Darboe expressed his intention to lead after the UDP invited applications for flagbearer position, Yank’s said in a Facebook post Monday that he has decided to make good on his promise.
“My words are my bond,” he said. “I promised not to seek the UDP flagbearership if Lawyer Darboe is seeking it, and since Lawyer Darboe has announced that he will be seeking it, I wish to notify you all that I will not be applying for it.”
Long-time party leader and former Gambian vice president Ousainou Darboe has confirmed his intention to vie for the flagbearer role. Yanks Darboe’s withdrawal is expected to reduce the internal jockeying and consolidate the rallying point around Lawyer Darboe’s enduring leadership.
The UDP now shifts its focus to preparing for the 2026 presidential race as it seeks to mount a serious challenge to the governing party.
