Fa-Lang Sonko, the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) regional chairman for the Kanifing Municipality (KMC), has come out strongly in defense of party leader Ousainou Darboe, urging the party’s youth wing and other aspirants to put aside personal ambitions and unite behind him ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Sonko dismissed claims that Darboe is not a “winning candidate,” arguing that his past electoral performance proves otherwise. “Lawyer Darboe once polled over 100,000 votes in a previous election,” Sonko said, describing it as evidence of the veteran politician’s enduring popularity.
He criticised what he described as an increasing dominance of politics by the less educated, while noting their sharp understanding of political realities compared to some of their educated counterparts. “What they know in politics, even the educated one don’t know it in this country’s politics,” Sonko stated.
Although Sonko insists he is not a Darboe loyalist, he made it clear that his support is rooted in strategy rather than blind allegiance. He challenged those who argue that Darboe is unelectable to prove their commitment to the party by working to secure his victory.
“If Talib Ahmed Bensouda believes that he has popularity, let him campaign for Lawyer Darboe to win. Likewise, Rohey Malick Lowe and Yankuba Darboe of Brikama Area Council. Let’s stop fooling one another,” Sonko declared.
Drawing inspiration from Senegal’s recent presidential election, Sonko cited the example of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who rose to power with the help of relentless campaigning by Ousmane Sonko. He urged Gambian youths to emulate that model to ensure a UDP win in December 2026.
Sonko also praised Darboe’s call for transparency, noting that anyone interested in the party’s flag-bearer position is free to apply. However, he stressed that the discussion should now shift from questioning Darboe’s electability to developing strategies for a UDP victory.
In a bold statement, Sonko said, “If Darboe is not a winning candidate, I will be the one to ask him to give a chance to others.”
He further dismissed rumors that he is backing KMC Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda against Darboe, insisting his support for the young politician is for the good of the party. “If there were any misconceptions, Lawyer Darboe would have called me directly,” he said.
Taking aim at critics, Sonko stated: “Anything claiming that Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is not a winning candidate, you are just talking out of the blue.”
Sonko concluded by calling on all Gambians and UDP supporters to pray for Darboe and rally behind him if he becomes the party’s presidential candidate. “Let’s unite and take our candidate to the State House by 2026,” he said.
