By Isatou Sarr
The Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA), led by Dr Ousman Gajigo, has ended its merger with Gambia For All (GFA) and announced plans to join the UNITE-NUP alliance ahead of The Gambia’s December 2026 presidential election.
Gajigo confirmed the decision in an interview with Kerr Fatou Media, saying the move followed differences over the timing of decisions on opposition cooperation.
He said the PPA initially agreed to merge with GFA because both parties recognized the need for greater opposition unity to improve their chances in the presidential election.
However, as opposition parties increasingly organized around two major political blocs, the PPA leadership concluded that it needed to clarify its position ahead of the election.
“GFA is going through their process to make their decision as to which group they will work with,” Gajigo said. “An irreconcilable difference emerged as to when that process needs to be concluded. PPA leadership believes that time is now rather than later.”
GFA has yet to announce which political grouping it will support, while the PPA has opted to align with the UNITE-NUP alliance.
Gajigo described the alliance as a potential core of a broader opposition coalition capable of presenting Gambians with an alternative in December.
“I believe the UNITE-NUP alliance provides a natural core of the group that can provide Gambians with the real change we yearn for,” he said.
He cited the alliance’s combination of ambition, competence and new ideas as among the factors behind the PPA’s decision.
Gajigo also described the separation from GFA as an amicable political decision rather than a breakdown in relations.
“I still have the utmost respect for the leadership of GFA,” he said, describing its leaders as individuals of integrity and principle.
He said the disagreement was primarily over the urgency of reaching a political decision ahead of the 2026 election.
The PPA’s decision comes amid continuing efforts by opposition parties and political movements to form alliances ahead of the presidential election.
With the December poll approaching, opposition groups face increasing pressure to conclude negotiations and shift their focus towards campaign preparations.
Gajigo said the PPA had decided that further deliberations could no longer be delayed and would now focus on working with the UNITE-NUP alliance ahead of the election.