The Chairman of the UDP-led Brikama Area Council (BAC), Yankuba Darboe, has indicated that the governing National People’s Party (NPP) needs to take lessons from the UDP when it comes to mass crowd mobilisation, boasting that “you [NPP] are our students and you can’t do it like us”.
In a massive display of support that left many Gambians thinking twice about the UDP’s touted death and, as well stunned many in the governing party, thousands of United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters thronged the Banjul International Airport on Saturday to accord a hero’s welcome to their leader, who was returning home from a “fruitful” European tour.
The Gambia’s only airport was festooned in yellow with the sea of yellow-clad excited supporters, validating the Yellow Party’s national appeal and mobilisation strength. Even ruling party officials such as works and infrastructure minister Ebrima Sillah and agriculture minister Dr. Demba Sabally could not stay silent about the momentum gathered by the pre-arrival grassroots and social media mobilisation efforts. Dr. Sabally, in a social media post, accused the UDP of having a “mobile crowd” and that President Adama Barrow will prevail in 14 months’ time. Mr. Sillah made a comment later, aiming to buttress Sabally’s opinion.
However, in addressing the thousands of UDP supporters that converged at the airport for Lawyer Darboe’s welcoming reception, the BAC chair indicated that UDP’s crowd mobilization strength is unparalleled, boasting that, “NPP are our students they can’t organise a gathering like ours”.
Darboe’s remark was met with thunderous applause from the crowds, which were conspicuously energized by their party leader’s home-return.
Lawyer Darboe’s homecoming marks a turning point for the UDP as it prepares for next year’s high-stake presidential election amid a turbulent phase of the party’s history. The UDP was rocked by high-profile resignations following the election last month of Darboe as the party’s flagbearer in the 2026 polls.
However, Darboe’s “successful” European tour and befitting welcoming parade and rallies have apparently raised his profile, and the party may not like to squander the opportunity to capitalize on the momentum.
