Former United Democratic Party (UDP) National Assembly aspirant for Niamina East, Alhagie Madi Ceesay, has formally defected to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), citing internal disagreements within the local UDP structure and his determination to accelerate development in his constituency.
Ceesay confirmed his decision in an interview with JollofNews, saying growing mistrust and opposition from sections of the UDP executive in Niamina East had made it increasingly difficult for him to pursue his political objectives within the party.
According to Ceesay, NPP had been courting him since 2023, but he initially rejected several approaches from senior figures in the ruling party.
“Since 2023, NPP people have been following me. Demba Sabally engaged me, I didn’t accept. Modou Sabally also engaged me, and still, I refused,” Ceesay said.
He explained that his eventual decision was influenced by his longstanding personal and family relationship with Hon. Abdou Sowe, as well as engagements involving Sowe and the Governor of the West Coast Region.
Ceesay said Sowe had supported him over the years, including during his previous political activities in Niamina, and that this relationship contributed significantly to his decision to join the ruling party.
The former UDP aspirant said tensions within the local UDP executive eventually became a major factor in his departure.
Ceesay alleged that some members of the UDP executive in Niamina East had lost confidence in him and were working against his political efforts.
“If you are in a group where people don’t recognise you or respect your work, it’s better for you to leave,” he said.
Ceesay, however, rejected suggestions that his defection was motivated by financial benefits or the prospect of securing a government appointment. He maintained that his primary objective is to secure greater opportunities for development in Niamina.
He expressed the belief that joining the ruling NPP would give him access to a platform and government support that could help him advance projects and initiatives for his constituents.
“I am joining for development,” Ceesay emphasised, presenting his move as one driven by what he described as the interests and future of the people of Niamina.
The decision, he said, was not an easy one. Ceesay revealed that he spent about a month weighing the implications of leaving the UDP before ultimately deciding to make the switch.
Despite his departure, Ceesay said he has no animosity toward the UDP’s national leadership.
He spoke warmly of UDP leader and presidential candidate Ousainou Darboe, saying Darboe had treated him “like a son.” He also expressed appreciation for other members of the party’s national executive, including Yankuba Darboe.
“God decided that this is the end of the journey,” Ceesay said. “I’m thanking them for giving me the platform to show my potential.”
