United Democratic Party (UDP) regional spokesperson for North Bank Region, Karamo Njie, says former Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda’s departure from the party will have no impact on its strength or stability.
Speaking to JollofNews on Tuesday, Njie dismissed claims that the UDP is facing internal fractures, arguing that political shifts and defections are not unique to any party.
“There is no party in this country that hasn’t seen members leave,” he said. “If President Barrow says the UDP is divided and on the verge of collapse, did he forget that Kebba Madi Bojang came from his own party? What about Lamin Sima, his friend? He even said recently that there is internal conflict in the NPP and that he would call for peace talks with his women’s wings after returning from tour.”
Njie referenced former NPP youth president Kebba Madi Bojang’s resignation as an example of what he considers ongoing challenges inside the ruling party. “If any party has internal issues that need urgent attention, it is the NPP,” he argued.
UDP Strength “Intact” in NBR
Asked about the UDP’s standing in the North Bank Region, Njie insisted the party remains strong.
“The UDP is as strong in the North Bank as ever. In the last parliamentary election, we lost in Niumi and Jokadou due to electoral malpractice and tribal politics,” he said. “Tribalism won’t help this country. People of the North Bank should stop focusing on tribe and focus on rebuilding a nation that’s sinking.”
He questioned President Barrow’s development record in Jokadou. “Tell me any development he brought there,” Njie said, accusing residents of supporting the president despite a lack of progress.
Njie highlighted several poor road networks in Lower Baddibou including Njawara to Kerr Parteh, Kerr Parteh to Minteh Kunda, Minteh to Dutabulu, Illiasa to Alkali Kunda, and Illiasa to Kachang describing them as crucial roads that deserve attention.
He also criticised NBR Chairman Papa Tunkara, saying neither he nor the president has brought tangible development to the region. “Anytime the president asks voters not to support opposition candidates, it sounds bizarre,” he said. “I challenge the president and his NBR chairman to name one single development they brought. We will sweep the polls in NBR in 2026.”
On Borry S. Touray’s Arrest
Njie called the arrest of Lawyer Borry S. Touray “a tactical move to silence a decent voice,” and warned against what he described as authoritarian tendencies.
“We won’t allow dictatorial behaviour in the Gambia anymore,” he said. “No one ever saw President Barrow at any protest during Jammeh’s time. He sat in his Majum house. The UDP made Adama Barrow what he is today. If he wants to see the UDP fall, he should be ready. The fight with Jammeh was tough, and this one will be worse. We will fight hard and never turn back.”
Njie accused the ruling party of using tactics to influence elections, adding that the UDP is prepared for what he called a “do-or-die” political environment ahead of 2026.
Youth Appeal
He urged young people to protect the country’s democratic space, claiming President Barrow governs in his own interest.
“If he boasts of bringing development to the North, what development?” Njie asked. “I doubt he is referring to the Hakalang road. That road was built with taxpayers’ money.”
Njie reiterated his confidence that the UDP will emerge stronger ahead of the next presidential election, insisting the party remains united despite external claims of division.
