By: Kemo Kanyi
Ousainou Darboe, leader of main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has declared his intention to step down with honour from the party’s top position, acknowledging that UDP’s long-serving executives are preparing to hand over the baton to its younger generation.
The veteran politician who is the secretary general of UDP made these remarks during his recent appearance on QTV’s Xew Xew programme on Thursday.
He emphasized that the UDP was unique among Gambian political parties, explaining that while other party leaders formed their parties and then assumed leadership, he was chosen to lead the UDP after it was formed by Gambians.
“The UDP is different from all other political parties in the country. The party was formed by Gambians and I was chosen to lead. I didn’t form the party myself,” Darboe said. “I am going to exit honourably, bowing my head without regrets. I am sure about this.”
He further revealed that the party’s senior executives were gradually preparing to leave, paving the way for the younger generation to take over. He points out that this is evident in the youthful makeup of the party’s National Assembly Members and Council of leaders.
“Why would we have young people in key positions in the party? Our National Assembly Members I think it’s only two of them who are over the age of 50. Our leaders in the councils are also young. We are doing this because we are preparing for exit. We are gradually exiting to allow the younger leaders to come in,” he said.
When asked about contesting an elective office beyond 2026, Darboe said it was too early to speak on that but noted that any decision would depend on the circumstances at the time. He expressed hope that those circumstances would be favourable for the party.
On the questions of his long tenure as the UDP’s flag bearer and secretary general as well as the issue of succession, Darboe argued that opposition parties could not be compared to ruling parties. He stresses that while the UDP’s constitution binds only its members, the ruling party’s constitution affects the entire citizenry.
“You can’t compare apples and oranges. Political party militants are tied by a common interest. The ruling government is powered by other allies who also want to be in power. So, without a term limit in governance, those ones are also affected. The entity of government is different from political parties. I agree that succession is inevitable, and it will surely happen, but it must be cautiously looked into,” Darboe explained.
He concluded by expressing confidence in the competence of the UDP’s young leaders, saying it gives Gambians hope that the UDP is the solution to move the country forward.
