On Monday, December 8, 2025, Alhagie Mamadi Kurang officially became a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and committed to leading national efforts to oppose President Adama Barrow’s attempt for a third term in the presidential election scheduled for December 5, 2026.
Kurang was introduced at a press event held at the Bakau Community Hall, where he was welcomed by senior UDP figures, including Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, and a few UDP National Assembly members. Addressing the gathering, Kurang said his five-year experience in politics had convinced him that the UDP offers the most viable platform to bring about political change.
“After five years in politics, I have come to the conclusion that the UDP is the most viable option to put an end to Barrow’s third-term presidency,” Kurang stated. “In December 2026, every Gambian must rise and declare their opposition to this.”
Kurang harshly denounced the Barrow administration, charging it with neglecting to address urgent national issues like growing inflation, irregular migration, and a worsening economic downturn. He maintained that a change in leadership is necessary to address the nation’s problems and that Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the head of the UDP, is the most qualified candidate to lead The Gambia.
“Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is the best person to take The Gambia forward, end self-encroachment, and stop Adama Barrow’s rule,” Kurang stated.
Yankuba Darboe welcomed Kurang and called the decision a “game changer,” saying it will inspire others to join the party, which he said is the only credible force capable of putting an end to what he called the systemic squandering of public resources. The UDP’s policy direction will be greatly strengthened by Kurang’s economic skills, according to Busumbala National Assembly Member Muhammad Kanteh, who also praised the development.
Kurang was formally dressed in the UDP’s distinctive yellow hues as the event came to a close, which caused fans to celebrate. As the UDP gets ready for what is anticipated to be one of the most important elections in The Gambia’s recent history, political analysts say his move gives the party a morale boost and more intellectual weight.
“So what I am saying is Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is the best person to take The Gambia forward,” Kurang reiterated, restating his position. to put an
end to Adama Barrow’s reign.
