National People’s Party (NPP) National Youth President Momodou Sabally has declared that the much-talked-about opposition coalition ahead of Gambia’s 2026 presidential election is unlikely to materialise, citing deep-seated mistrust, political betrayal, and conflicting ambitions among its key actors.
Speaking during an interview on Star TV on Friday, Sabally argued that the divisions within the opposition are too entrenched to sustain a united front capable of challenging the ruling NPP.
Sabally pointed to the strained relationship between the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, claiming the UDP has lost confidence in its former member.
“The UDP picked Talib Ahmed Bensouda from nowhere and made him Mayor of KMC. He sought the party’s flagbearer position, and when he failed to secure it, he left with many party supporters,” Sabally said. “The UDP will never trust him again.”
He also questioned the prospects of cooperation between Bensouda and Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mama Kandeh. Sabally recalled that Kandeh endorsed Bensouda during the last mayoral election but alleged that after his victory, Bensouda attracted MC Cham, one of Kandeh’s close political allies, into his own camp.
According to Sabally, that development has further eroded trust between the two politicians and weakened any chance of a lasting alliance.
Turning to lawyer and 2021 presidential candidate Essa Mbye Faal, Sabally accused him of inconsistency during the aftermath of the 2021 elections. He alleged that Faal initially expressed support for a joint opposition election petition before later withdrawing from the initiative.
Sabally also dismissed Faal’s political strength, arguing that despite his credentials, he lacks the grassroots support needed to lead a formidable coalition.
He further claimed that some of the groups associated with Bensouda and politician Kebba Madi Bojang do not possess the organisational capacity to build viable political parties, suggesting they would struggle even to meet registration requirements.
With political negotiations continuing ahead of the 2026 presidential election, Sabally maintained that the opposition’s internal divisions and mutual distrust will ultimately prevent the formation of a united coalition, leaving the ruling NPP to face a fragmented opposition at the polls.
