In a resignation letter dated 2 August 2026 and addressed to the Senior Administrative Secretary of the GDC, Ceesay said his decision was taken after careful reflection on his political principles and convictions.
“I write to formally tender my resignation from the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), effective immediately,” Ceesay stated.
The former lawmaker expressed appreciation to the GDC for the opportunity to serve under its platform, describing his time with the party as an honour.
“I have had the honour of serving the party and its ideals as a National Assembly Member, and I remain grateful for the opportunities accorded to me during my time with the GDC,” he said.
However, Ceesay said recent developments, particularly the party’s decision to work with President Barrow and the NPP, compelled him to reconsider his continued membership of the party.
He maintained that his decision was based on his belief in democratic principles, good governance and the importance of leadership renewal.
“It is my firm belief that no President should serve for more than two terms. This position is rooted in my commitment to democratic values, good governance, and the need for leadership renewal in our country,” he stated.
According to Ceesay, he was unable to reconcile his personal convictions with the current political direction of the GDC, making resignation the most appropriate step.
“In view of this, I believe it is both honest and appropriate to step aside from the GDC in order to remain true to my beliefs,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ebrima S. Bah, Secretary of the Coalition Mediation Committee of Coalition 2026, has also announced his resignation from the committee, citing concerns over the future of efforts to establish an all-inclusive opposition coalition ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
In a letter addressed to the General Assembly of Coalition 2026, Bah said he decided to discontinue his role as Secretary of the Coalition Mediation Committee with immediate effect.
Bah explained that when he accepted the responsibility, he believed an all-inclusive grand coalition represented the strongest and most credible pathway to challenge the incumbent government and provide Gambians with a united alternative.
“When I accepted this responsibility, I did so with a firm conviction that an All-inclusive Grand Coalition was the surest and most credible path to defeat the incumbent and to offer Gambians a united alternative in 2026,” he said.
He added that this belief guided his participation in consultations, meetings and efforts to bridge differences among various political actors involved in the coalition discussions.
However, after months of engagement and negotiations, Bah said he had reached the conclusion that achieving the original objective within the current framework had become increasingly unlikely.
“After months of engagement, consultations, and sincere attempts at finding common ground, I have come to the difficult conclusion that I no longer have confidence that this objective can be achieved within the current framework of our talks,” he stated.
Bah said it would not be appropriate for him to continue serving as a mediator while holding such reservations about the process.
He clarified that his resignation was not a reflection of the commitment or goodwill of individuals involved in the coalition talks, but rather an acknowledgment that the environment needed to achieve the envisioned all-inclusive coalition was no longer available.
“This decision is not a reflection on the commitment or goodwill of many individuals within the Assembly. It is simply a recognition that the space required to deliver the all-inclusive outcome we envisioned no longer exists,” he said.
Bah thanked members of the Coalition 2026 General Assembly and the Mediation Committee for the confidence placed in him, describing his involvement in the process as an honour.
The resignations come at a time of increasing political realignments and negotiations ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, with opposition parties and political actors exploring possible alliances and strategies.
Ceesay’s departure from the GDC and Bah’s exit from the Coalition 2026 mediation process highlight some of the challenges facing political cooperation, particularly around questions of leadership, coalition structures and the direction of opposition politics in The Gambia.
Both officials expressed hope that future political engagements would continue to prioritise the interests of Gambians, democratic renewal and credible leadership.
