Essa Mbye Faal, the APP-Sobeyaa presidential candidate, is in talks with President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) over a possible political alliance ahead of the December 5 presidential election, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.
The sources said NPP figures approached Faal in recent weeks and that he has since held talks with officials of the ruling party. The discussions have reportedly progressed, although neither side has announced an agreement.
The talks follow unsuccessful negotiations between Faal and the United Democratic Party (UDP) over a possible opposition alliance. Sources familiar with those discussions said Faal sought consideration for the vice-presidential slot in a UDP-led coalition.
The details of the UDP negotiations could not be independently verified.
Faal subsequently began engaging with figures in the ruling party, according to the sources.
Any alliance between Faal and the NPP could alter the political landscape ahead of the December election, as parties seek to consolidate support and build electoral partnerships.
Faal contested the 2021 presidential election as an independent candidate and has been a vocal critic of the Barrow administration. He later became the presidential candidate of APP-Sobeyaa.
He first rose to national prominence as lead counsel at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), where he questioned witnesses during public hearings into human rights violations committed during former President Yahya Jammeh’s rule.
No formal agreement between Faal and the NPP has been announced, and the reported talks remain unconfirmed by both sides.
