Presidential Adviser and National People’s Party (NPP) mobiliser Dou Sanno has claimed that Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) is losing political influence and faces declining support ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Sanno made the remarks in an exclusive interview with JollofNews on Saturday on the sidelines of President Adama Barrow’s ongoing presidential tour of the North Bank Region.
He dismissed recent claims by UDP officials that the party remains a dominant grassroots political force capable of unseating the Barrow administration, describing such assertions as routine political messaging.
Sanno acknowledged the economic pressures facing Gambians, including rising prices of basic food items, fuel, cooking oil, meat and cooking gas. However, he defended President Barrow’s record, arguing that his administration has delivered peace and stability.
“People know that Barrow’s tenure is full of peace,” Sanno told JollofNews.
He also compared President Barrow with UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, arguing that Darboe’s political approach has negatively affected the country’s image.
While acknowledging concerns over the rising cost of living, Sanno argued that the opposition has failed to provide viable alternatives to the economic challenges facing the country.
Responding to recent comments by the UDP’s Administrative Secretary that the party continues to enjoy strong support at the grassroots, Sanno dismissed the claim.
“No craftsman speaks ill of his own town; that is why UDP claims their foundation is strong and sweet,” he said, arguing that the situation on the ground differs from the picture presented by the party’s officials.
Sanno further claimed that UDP’s political peak, which many supporters once described as its “golden era,” has passed. He said a significant number of former UDP supporters, particularly young people and influential political figures, have shifted their allegiance to the ruling NPP during the current political cycle.
“If you look at it scientifically, UDP isn’t seeing what comes next. Many of those who were once there are now with NPP,” Sanno said.
His comments come as political parties intensify their mobilisation efforts ahead of the December 5, 2026 presidential election, with the opposition landscape continuing to evolve amid ongoing coalition discussions.
Sanno expressed confidence in President Barrow’s political prospects and predicted that UDP would suffer declining electoral returns at the ballot box.
“UDP is taking the back seat in the ballot box,” he said. “UDP is going down, strictly going down.”
