The United Democratic Party (UDP) has reportedly withdrawn from ongoing negotiations aimed at forming an opposition coalition ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election, according to sources who attended Saturday morning’s meeting.
The party’s representatives at the talks, Lamin Manneh and Lare Ceesay, reportedly informed other delegates of the decision during the session.
Sources said the meeting opened with silent prayers, introductions and the adoption of minutes from the previous gathering. Before delegates moved to the main agenda, however, a representative of one of the participating entities raised concerns about compliance with the Coalition 2026 Code of Conduct.
The concerns were reportedly linked to recent public remarks by a coalition member that were viewed as condescending towards other participating parties and organisations. No individual or political party was directly identified during the discussion.
Lare Ceesay reportedly challenged the criticism, arguing that his party’s public statements were consistent with its official position. Several other delegates were also said to have raised concerns about the conduct of coalition members and stressed the importance of mutual respect throughout the negotiations.
According to sources, Lamin Manneh arrived after the discussion had begun and briefly consulted with Ceesay before requesting permission to address the meeting.
After being granted the floor, Manneh reportedly told delegates that the direction of the coalition process was inconsistent with the UDP’s position. He then announced that, acting on instructions from the party’s leadership, the UDP was withdrawing from the negotiations.
Manneh and Ceesay subsequently left the meeting.
Sources said some delegates urged the two representatives to remain so that the decision could be discussed and possible differences addressed. Manneh reportedly declined, maintaining that further discussion was unnecessary because the withdrawal had been authorised by the party’s leadership.
The meeting continued with the remaining participants following the departure of the UDP delegation.
However, the UDP has cautioned against relying on unofficial accounts of developments within the coalition talks.
In a statement, the party’s Administrative Secretary for Media and Communications, Saikou Camara, said Coalition 2026 has an officially designated spokesperson and a secretariat responsible for providing accurate and authoritative information about the discussions.
Camara said anyone seeking reliable information regarding developments in the coalition negotiations should direct their inquiries to the coalition spokesperson or secretariat.
He added that he would not comment on rumours, speculation or information allegedly leaked by members of groups participating in the talks.
“Such matters are best addressed by the Coalition 2026 spokesperson or secretariat,” Camara said.
He further stated that whenever the UDP adopts an official position on any matter, including the Coalition 2026 discussions, the party’s media team would communicate that position through the appropriate official channels.
The UDP’s response neither confirmed nor denied reports that the party had withdrawn from the negotiations.
The reported development, if officially confirmed, could have significant implications for efforts to build a broad opposition alliance capable of challenging President Adama Barrow and the ruling National People’s Party in the 2026 presidential election.
It could also deepen concerns about divisions among opposition parties, particularly over the structure, leadership and direction of the proposed coalition.
At the time of publication, neither the Coalition 2026 spokesperson nor its secretariat had issued an official statement confirming the UDP’s reported withdrawal.
