The formation of the APEX coalition has sparked both hope and skepticism in Gambian political circles. While alliances among opposition parties can be a powerful tool for change, history reminds us that unity alone is insufficient. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Samsudeen Sarr, former Commander of The Gambia National Army, has issued a timely warning: without clear accountability and trust-building measures, APEX risks repeating the disappointments of the post-2016 opposition coalition.
The 2016 opposition victory promised a three-year transitional presidency, constitutional reforms, and institutional rebuilding. None of these commitments were fully realized, leaving voters disillusioned and wary of the complexities of coalition politics. Lt. Col. Sarr’s caution highlights a critical lesson: political arrangements must go beyond mere agreements among elites. They must include binding guarantees and transparent strategies to regain public trust.
Concerns about APEX’s leadership composition and visibility are equally pressing. A coalition dominated by former officials or lesser-known figures may appear detached from the concerns of ordinary Gambians. For an opposition alliance to thrive, it must cultivate grassroots support while articulating a clear, compelling vision for the nation’s future.
The coalition also faces structural challenges. Key parties, most notably the United Democratic Party (UDP), are central to any opposition success. Yet internal rivalries and refusal to join the initiative by some groups threaten to weaken APEX’s strategic foundation. Moreover, smaller, untested parties offer little assurance of broad electoral appeal, raising questions about the coalition’s nationwide viability.
As seen in Senegal’s recent elections, political change requires more than elite unity—it demands resonant messaging, especially to engage young voters. APEX must therefore clearly demonstrate how it intends to break with past failures, build trust, and present a credible roadmap for reform. Without such measures, Gambians are unlikely to place their faith in yet another opposition alliance ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
The lesson is clear: in Gambian politics, credibility matters as much as coalition. APEX’s future depends not just on its formation, but on its ability to prove that this time, promises will be kept.