By Binta Jaiteh
The United Democratic Party (UDP) and seven opposition political parties and movements have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the GFC–UDP Alliance, creating a united opposition front ahead of 2026 presidential election.
The agreement, signed on Friday at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, brought together the UDP with the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), Gambia Alliance for National Unity (GANU), Gambia for All (GFA), Gambian People’s Advancement Party (GPAP), Golden Era Party (GEP), Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
ADD, GANU, GFA, GPAP and PPP are registered political parties, while CCC and GEP are political movements.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe described the alliance as the beginning of a genuine partnership founded on trust, confidence and shared values.
“Our purpose as committed allies is to offer the Gambian people a credible alternative and a genuine opportunity for better governance,” Darboe said.
He said the alliance demonstrated that political diversity could strengthen national unity when parties were committed to serving the country’s interests.
Although the member organizations differ in ideology and background, Darboe said they shared a common objective of establishing a government that prioritized the needs and aspirations of Gambians.
He also acknowledged public scepticism over opposition unity, noting that previous coalition efforts had faltered, but insisted that the new alliance was built on sincerity, honesty and transparency.
Declaring the campaign as a collective effort, Darboe told alliance members that while his name would appear on the presidential ballot, every partner would be equally represented in the campaign.
“We are one team. I am you and you are me. This campaign belongs to every alliance partner in every aspect,” he reiterated.
Darboe further appealed to opposition groups that have not yet joined the alliance to do so, saying no differences were too great to prevent cooperation in the national interest.
He urged all democratic forces to unite behind a five-year reform agenda aimed at laying a stronger foundation for the country after the December 2026 election.
Chairperson of the coalition, Momodou Satou Dibba, said the alliance was built on shared structures, common policies and a single political objective.
“We all have the same goal, and that is to replace the Adama Barrow government,” Dibba declared.
He expressed confidence that additional political groups would join the alliance in the coming months.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Papa Faal highlighted the economic challenges confronting Gambian households, including the rising cost of living, youth unemployment and weaknesses in the healthcare system.
He said the alliance intended to offer voters an alternative centered on economic recovery, transparency, accountability and good governance.
The formation of the GFC–UDP Alliance marks one of the most significant opposition realignments ahead of The Gambia’s December 2026 presidential election.