By Kemo Kanyi
United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader Ousainu Darboe has urged party supporters to intensify voter advocacy efforts and remained united warning that the party must not become its own enemy ahead of the December presidential election.
Darboe also advised party supporters to refrain from making derogatory remarks against one another.
Speaking on Sunday in Busumbala during the reopening of the party’s political bureau, Darboe called on supporters to remain composed and broaden their campaign activities in preparation for the polls.
He said the party’s ambition to win the presidency would only be realised through collective effort and commitment. “Let us come together and work for the party. Let us share the UDP agenda with the electorate,” Darboe remarked.
He cautioned supporters against internal conflicts and personal attacks within the party, saying such behaviour could undermine party unity.
“We must refrain from infighting among ourselves. If you release audio messages to caricature any UDP militant, it affects not only the individual but also the image of the party. Let us stop such attitudes because they fuel division within the party,” he added.
Darboe stressed that divisions within the UDP could weaken its chances of achieving its political objectives, arguing that Gambians now need the opposition party more than ever.
According to the veteran politician, many citizens have lost confidence in the current administration and are looking to the UDP for alternative leadership.
He further stated that the opposition’s political struggle should remain focused on President Adama Barrow rather than targeting other opposition figures, warning that attacks among opposition groups could weaken the broader opposition movement.
Darboe accused the government of failing to address the needs of Gambians and urged voters to support the UDP in order to end what he described as mismanagement, corruption and misuse of public resources.
He also pointed to the high cost of living, poor electricity supply, challenges in the education sector and the decline of agriculture as major concerns facing citizens.