According to trustworthy sources inside the United Democratic Party (UDP), Ousainu Darboe, the party’s leader and secretary general, has officially applied to be the party’s flagbearer in the 2026 presidential election, Kerr Fatou has discovered.
Kerr Fatou was able to gather information that Mr. Darboe filed his application on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Officially, applications must be submitted by Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council and the party’s organizing secretary, is currently the only other confirmed candidate on the UDP’s presidential ticket.
Mr. Darboe’s continued presence and influence in Gambian politics is demonstrated by the fact that, if elected, this will be his sixth attempt to head the UDP as its presidential candidate. He has led opposition politics since the party’s founding in 1996 and gained notoriety for his unwavering opposition to Yahya Jammeh’s autocratic rule.
Mr. Darboe’s remarkable bravery and tenacity have been hallmarks of his political career. After publicly calling for the release of Solo Sandeng and other activists detained during an election reform demonstration, he was imprisoned along with other party officials. Nationwide indignation followed Sandeng’s death in detention, which energized the opposition and formed the coalition that helped former UDP member Adama Barrow win the presidency in 2016.
Mr. Darboe has gained both domestic and international recognition for his steadfast dedication to democracy and human rights throughout his political career. Even after years of difficulties and disappointments, analysts observe that his ongoing involvement in politics highlights a commitment to public service that few of his peers have equaled.
Ahead of the 2026 elections, party delegates are anticipated to pay close attention to the UDP’s flagbearer selection process, evaluating the candidates’ qualifications, vision, and leadership abilities. Mr. Darboe’s application marks the start of what is expected to be a highly anticipated struggle within one of The Gambia’s most powerful political parties as the political calendar heats up.
Given that the conclusion of the UDP’s internal decision will have significant ramifications for the 2025 presidential race, political watchers will be closely observing any new applications and possible partnerships as the deadline draws near.
