Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, has formally retracted his candidacy for the United Democratic Party (UDP) flagbearer position in the 2026 presidential election and resigned from his position as the party’s National Organising Secretary.
In a video message posted on his social media page, Mayor Bensouda conveyed that his decision came after a private meeting with Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, who reiterated his commitment to pursue the UDP flagbearership.
According to Talib bensouda, he has decided to meet with Mr. Darboe personally to express his intention to lead the UDP and he believes that, if chosen, he will achieve victory in December 2026. He has also informed me of his commitment to being the UDP flagbearer for 2026.
He added, “Therefore I have told him and I am here to tell my supporters that effective immediately I have withdrawn my candidacy for the flagbearship of the UDP 2026.”
Mayor Bensouda also announced his resignation as National Organising Secretary to allow Darboe to have a reliable ally in that role. “Mr. Darboe will need a National Organising Secretary whom he can trust; someone who can meet his expectations,” he stated.
He emphasized that Lawyer Darboe requires assistance with his campaign rather than someone vying for his position.
Highlighting the significance of ethical politics, Mayor Bensouda called on Gambians to focus on national development and social unity rather than engaging in personal attacks and divisive language.
“I urge all Gambians, politics is not a game insult, not a game of division, not a game of personal attacks or defamatory comments,” he stressed.
He remarked, “Politics is a game of national development; it is something we should all value to promote community unity.”
The UDP is facing internal tensions, as factional rivalries arise between supporters of Darboe and Bensouda while the party gears up for the 2026 elections.
