The veteran lawyer and political heavyweight edged out contenders Lawyer Borry Touray and ex-Finance Minister Amadou Sanneh in what insiders described as a fiercely contested internal selection. But when the dust settled, it was Darboe who emerged as the party’s standard-bearer, proving his grip on the UDP remains firm.
With this victory, Darboe is now set for a high-stakes rematch against President Adama Barrow in December 2026. Their last face-off in 2021 saw Barrow secure a second term, but this time, the political terrain feels different, and the stakes even higher.
Party officials hailed the outcome as a triumph of unity and democratic spirit, while Darboe loyalists wasted no time celebrating what they see as a steady hand in uncertain times. Critics, however, are already questioning whether the UDP’s reliance on its founding figure signals strength or stagnation.
The veteran politician, speaking to waiting journalists following the announcement of the results, called on party members and supporters to unite and advance the party’s priorities.
He urged his supporters to put aside their differences and rally under one umbrella, emphasising the importance of unity in working towards victory in the forthcoming 2026 presidential election.
As the countdown to the polls begins, one thing’s clear: Gambian politics is gearing up for a showdown that’s anything but predictable.
