The All Peoples Party–SOBEYAA (APP-Sobeyaa) has confirmed it has reached an agreement in principle to form a political alliance with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
The announcement was made in an official statement issued by the party led by Essa Mbye Faal, former Lead Counsel of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
“The All Peoples Party–Sobeyaa (APP-SOBEYAA) wishes to inform the general public that the Party has reached an agreement in principle with the National People’s Party (NPP) on a proposed political alliance,” the statement said.
The party said discussions and consultations remain ongoing both internally and with its prospective partner.
“The Party will officially communicate the date and details of the alliance announcement once internal consultations with our supporters and stakeholders have been concluded,” it added.
APP-Sobeyaa continued: “We urge the public and our supporters to rely on official communication from APP-Sobeyaa and disregard speculation and misinformation. APP-Sobeyaa remains committed to a transparent and consultative political process.”
The confirmation follows weeks of speculation and comes days after President Adama Barrow publicly invited Essa Faal and other opposition figures to join his camp during the inauguration of the Gunjur Seaside Road.
From TRRC To Presidential Candidate
Essa Faal first came to national prominence as Lead Counsel of the TRRC, where he led public hearings into human rights violations under former President Yahya Jammeh. His role earned him significant public recognition for his forensic questioning and presentation of evidence.
In September 2021, shortly before the TRRC handed its final report to the government, Faal announced his independent candidacy for the presidency under the banner of “Team Sobeyaa.”
His 2021 campaign focused on anti-corruption, rapid judicial and economic reform, and what he described at the time as a failing system under President Adama Barrow.
Despite his popularity as a lawyer, his political platform struggled against deeply entrenched party structures. In the December 2021 presidential election, he finished far behind the frontrunners, securing roughly 1% of the total vote.
Following the election, Faal formalised his political movement into the All Peoples Party–SOBEYAA (APP-Sobeyaa) and remained a vocal critic of the Barrow administration on issues of governance, rule of law and transitional justice implementation.
The agreement in principle with the NPP marks a major shift in Gambian politics. Faal, who had been one of the most outspoken critics of President Barrow, is now set to join the ruling coalition.
President Barrow, during his speech in Gunjur on 19 September 2026, had openly called on Faal to work with him.
“And to the people I have not called, people like Essa Faal, come and join me. Let us work together,” Barrow said at the time.
Government officials have welcomed the development. Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has lauded the move, noting that Faal’s extensive international experience as a lawyer will bring technical and professional value to national development.
APP-Sobeyaa emphasised that the alliance is not yet finalised, stating that internal consultations with supporters and stakeholders are still underway.
The party did not provide details on the terms of the agreement, power-sharing arrangements, or whether Faal will be given a formal role in government or within the coalition structure.
Political observers note that alliance-building has become a defining feature of Gambian elections since 2016, with coalitions playing a decisive role in both the 2016 and 2021 presidential contests.
The December 2026 election is expected to be highly competitive, with debates around constitutional reform, term limits, transitional justice, and economic management at the forefront.
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some supporters of APP-Sobeyaa have expressed support for what they see as a pragmatic move to influence policy from within, while some critics on social media have questioned the ideological consistency of the shift from strong opposition to an alliance with the ruling party.
APP-Sobeyaa urged the public to disregard speculation until an official announcement ceremony is held.
The party is expected to communicate the date and details of the formal alliance announcement once consultations are concluded.
If finalised, the alliance would be one of the most significant political realignments since the formation of the NPP coalition in 2021, bringing together a former TRRC lead counsel and the administration whose transitional justice record he once scrutinised.
The NPP is yet to issue its own formal statement on the agreement, but senior officials have indicated that formal communication will follow the conclusion of joint consultations.
