The announcement was made through a press release, where Tambajang informed opposition leaders that she was stepping aside from the presidential contest to focus on facilitating the coalition-building process. She said her decision was driven by what she described as the need to put the country’s future ahead of personal political ambition.
“My desire to see a better Gambia for the next generation is far greater than any personal ambition. Today, our country needs unity more than it needs individual aspirations. I believe I can best serve The Gambia by helping to build the coalition that our people deserve,” Tambajang said.
Drawing on her experience as one of the principal architects of the historic Coalition 2016, which united the opposition and ended former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule, Tambajang will now serve as mediator and facilitator of the coalition-building process.
In her new role, she will work to bring together all opposition parties, encourage constructive dialogue and help ensure that the coalition process remains credible, transparent and inclusive.
She called on all opposition political parties to approach the process with humility, openness and a genuine willingness to negotiate in the national interest.
“I urge every opposition leader to come to the table with an open ear for conversation and negotiation. No single party can win this election alone. If we enter the December polls divided, we risk placing The Gambia back on the same path that we fought so hard to leave behind just ten years ago,” she said.
Reflecting on the work ahead, Tambajang said the coalition process requires someone with experience who understands the challenges involved.
“My responsibility now is not to run for office but to help create the conditions for a united opposition that can restore hope and confidence in our democracy and our people,” she stated.
She also stressed that democratic leadership should never be viewed as an entitlement.
“No politician should ever believe that public office is their birthright. Power should rotate democratically, and when a government has failed to provide opportunities for its people and protect its citizens, it is the responsibility of the electorate to vote that government out of office,” she said.
Tambajang reaffirmed that she will serve as an impartial facilitator, ensuring every stakeholder has a voice throughout the coalition-building process while keeping the interests of Gambians at the centre of discussions. She expressed confidence that unity, dialogue and shared purpose remain the strongest path toward democratic renewal and national progress as the country heads to the December 2026 elections.
