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PPP backs UDP in high-stakes 2026 presidential election

Jul 7, 2026, 8:20 AM | Article By: Landing Ceesay

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has formally endorsed the United Democratic Party (UDP)-led coalition for the 2026 presidential elections, becoming the first opposition party to openly back the alliance as momentum builds towards December’s vote.

The endorsement comes barely a month after the Coalition Mediation Committee Secretariat announced consensus on a candidate-led coalition. That claim was swiftly denied by UDP representative Dr Lamin Manneh, who insisted that seven opposition parties – including the UDP, ADD, PAP and Citizens Coalition for Change – had agreed to a party-led coalition under UDP leadership.

PPP flagbearer Saikou Sawo confirmed the party’s position in a statement, declaring: “For our part, the PPP is prepared to move forward under a UDP-led coalition or alliance if that offers the strongest and most credible path to change. Not because our ambitions do not matter, but because no individual ambition can matter more than the future of the country.”

Sawo argued that the UDP’s decades-long struggle and consistent electoral support make it the most credible opposition force to challenge President Adama Barrow. He urged opposition leaders to focus on building the machinery to win – including parallel vote tabulation systems, trained polling agents, secure reporting mechanisms and rapid legal response networks – rather than debating leadership.

UDP Welcomes PPP’s Endorsement

Reacting to the announcement, UDP Administrative Secretary for Media and Communications, Saikou Camara, praised the PPP’s stance and recalled past examples of opposition cooperation. He cited the Banjul Half Die Ward by-election, where the UDP refrained from fielding a candidate to boost PPP’s chances, and the Foni by-elections in January 2026, where the UDP extended similar courtesy to the No-to-Alliance Movement.

Camara stressed that the UDP has consistently respected all political parties and civic movements, regardless of size, and has prioritised national interest over partisan gain.

“The Gambia does not belong to the UDP, rather, the UDP belongs to The Gambia. Time and again, we have demonstrated our willingness to put country before party. Today, the UDP once again extends an open hand to all well-meaning opposition parties and movements. Let us unite in the common interest of rescuing our country from corruption, economic hardship, and national decline,” he said.

With the PPP’s endorsement, pressure is mounting on other opposition parties to clarify their positions as coalition talks intensify. The move signals growing momentum behind a unified opposition front to challenge President Barrow in what is shaping up to be one of The Gambia’s most consequential elections.

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