“They are a threat to the NPP; they are a threat to the opposition. You cannot rule that out. They have one ambition removing the government, so whether they are big or small, they remain a threat,” Jah stated.
Jah further suggested that UNITE could weaken opposition parties by drawing away supporters who share similar political agendas.
“If I am in the opposition and a new group emerges with overlapping objectives, it could split support. For instance, a base of 50 could easily be reduced to 30. That makes them a threat to the opposition as well,” he explained.
The commentator also highlighted potential difficulties for UNITE in joining or endorsing a coalition, particularly given its strained relationship with the United Democratic Party (UDP). He opined that such a move could trigger internal divisions within the movement.
“They cannot simply align themselves with a coalition and declare support. That could have significant consequences for the movement internally,” Jah said.
Jah questioned whether UNITE would be willing to back a coalition led by UDP leader Ousainu Darboe, noting that past divisions could complicate trust and cooperation.
“When a faction breaks away from a party, bringing both sides back together often comes with trust issues,” he added.
As The Gambia’s political landscape continues to evolve, Jah’s remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding coalition-building and the potential impact of new movements like UNITE on the balance of power ahead of 2026.
