Below reads the full text of his resignation letter:
With reference to the above subject, I hereby formally withdraw my candidature for the position of Secretary General and Party Leader of the great Citizens' Alliance (CA). This decision is taken in the supreme interest of peace and unity within our beloved party.
In December 2024, I officially declared my intention to contest for the party leadership at the National Congress. My motivation was rooted in the urgent need to revive the party and place it back on track after months of inactivity in national political discourse. At the time, many regional structures had become dormant, and the core values that defined CA - especially that of accountable leadership -appeared to be gradually fading. As someone who refuses to be a passive observer in the face of decline, I resolved to challenge the status quo and lead the call for change.
However, following the postponement of the December Congress, the current leadership has made commendable strides in revitalizing the party. Notably, they have actively engaged regional structures and successfully convened all regional congresses as mandated by the CA constitution. These efforts have rekindled enthusiasm within the party’s grassroots and, if sustained, will undoubtedly yield positive results.
In light of these developments, and following extensive consultations with regional leaders and close comrades who had expressed support for my candidature, I have been advised to pursue dialogue and reconciliation. It was proposed that we allow Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the current leader, to complete his term in order to avoid unnecessary division within the party. As someone who aspires to lead in the interest of the people, I believe that listening to the same people—when they speak in unity and on genuine grounds—is not only prudent but noble. A good listener is indeed a great leader, and I have chosen to listen.
As a Muslim and a firm believer in the teachings of Islam, I hold the principles of peace and unity in the highest regard. Even when personal ambitions are sincere, they must not take precedence over the greater good. We all yearn for meaningful change in our political landscape, but we must not allow ambition to cloud our judgment. The Gambia is a small, beautiful country already riddled with political divisions; I refuse to be an agent of further discord. Let us always remember: a house divided against itself cannot stand.
Additionally, it is important to highlight that Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has been a dear friend and brother to me for nearly a decade. If there is anything I can do to preserve that bond, I will not hesitate. Withdrawing from this race—especially in light of the genuine efforts made by Dr. Ceesay to rebuild party structures in recent months—is a small price to pay to preserve both our friendship and party unity. I will not allow politics to sever the ties of brotherhood and respect that we share.
To all those who supported my campaign, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your encouragement, guidance, and belief in me over the past months have been truly humbling. I understand that some of you may feel disappointed or frustrated by this decision, but please rest assured that I remain committed to our shared ideals. I will never compromise my values or integrity, and I will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in governance. We must remain united in our pursuit of a better Gambia.
My fellow Gambians, authority is entirely with Allah, "He gives it to whom he wills and takes it away from whom He wills". ~ 3:26. Our destiny is already written, and we do not have to unjustifiable fight or humiliate each other to achieve our goals. A change is certainly coming, and this change is inevitable, In Shaa Allah!
To Dr. Ismaila Ceesay and all political leaders, I offer this humble reminder: never make a promise you cannot keep. Every soul will be held accountable for its words and deeds, and Allah detests those who break their promises. Let us all lead with sincerity, humility, and a deep consciousness of the day of recompense.
Finally, as we navigate the many challenges confronting our nation, I urge everyone to exercise patience. "Indeed, Allah is with the patient" (Qur’an 2:153), and "Verily, with hardship comes ease." (Qur’an 94:5). May Allah unite our hearts, and increase us all in wisdom and guidance.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
At your service,
Modou Mboob.
