United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has reaffirmed that his party will not join any coalition or political alliance that contradicts its founding principles, values or interests.
Speaking to his supporters, the veteran opposition leader said the Gambia’s main opposition UDP remained committed to genuine and peaceful coalition-building but would not be pressured into accepting an arrangement designed to weaken or undermine the party.
“We won’t allow anyone to blackmail the UDP. We’re open to negotiations to have a peaceful coalition-building process, but we will never be part of any coalition or alliance that’s against the UDP. We want a fair and honest coalition or alliance,” Darboe said.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions among opposition parties and political groups seeking to explore the possibility of forming a united front ahead of the December presidential election.
Addressing critics who question the UDP’s expectation that it should lead any potential coalition, Darboe said the party’s size, grassroots presence and electoral strength made its position a matter of political logic.
“To all those saying they won’t be led by a party, if they were in the same position as the UDP, they would all want their party to lead,” he said.
Darboe insisted that the UDP had never rejected the idea of a coalition, arguing that political unity remained important. However, he said unity could not come at the expense of the party’s principles.
“We have never turned our backs on forming a coalition because unity is strength, but joining a coalition that does not align with your principles and values is meaningless,” he stated.
The UDP leader also pushed back against criticism that the party should place the national interest above its own political objectives.
Darboe questioned the consistency of those making such calls, pointing to what he described as their past political positions and alliances.
“Let no one question us about the nation’s interest,” Darboe said. “We saw it when they were together with President Jammeh, portraying us as people committing suicide. We have always stood for the national interest, which is why we sacrificed everything, including our comfort, to help salvage this country.”
He also responded to those who question the UDP’s political standing, saying the party’s influence was built by the Gambian people.
“To those asking who do we think we are, we’re nothing; it is Gambians who made us something,” he said.
Darboe further urged UDP supporters and party structures across the country to intensify grassroots mobilisation, expand voter outreach and strengthen campaign activities ahead of the December presidential election.
His remarks underline the UDP’s firm position that any potential opposition alliance must be based on fairness, mutual respect and shared principles, rather than pressure or political manoeuvring.
