Talib Ahmed Bensouda has ruled out rejoining the United Democratic Party (UDP), but says he remains willing to discuss cooperation with the opposition party ahead of The Gambia’s December 5 presidential election.
The UNITE leader and Coalition 2026 presidential candidate made the position clear amid growing calls for opposition parties to put aside their differences and explore ways of working together before the polls.
Much of the debate has focused on whether Bensouda and the UDP, led by Ousainou Darboe, can find common ground despite their political differences.
“UNITE has always maintained that we are ready to sit at the table with any opposition to discuss a future where Gambia progresses, so we are open to it,” Bensouda said.
However, he was categorical that discussions about cooperation should not be mistaken for a return to the UDP. Bensouda was elected mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council under the party’s banner before eventually pursuing a separate political path.
“No, I will never go back to UDP,” he said, adding that he now leads his own political organisation and heads a coalition with other partners.
UNITE was formally registered as a political party earlier this year, and Bensouda was subsequently selected as the presidential candidate of Coalition 2026, an alliance bringing together opposition parties and political movements.
He said any engagement with the UDP would focus on identifying shared interests, possible areas of collaboration and the prospects for a wider political partnership.
“What we can do is open dialogue, look at areas of collaboration, and look at a potential future where there’s a partnership,” he said. “But Talib suddenly joining UDP as a member, that’s not a possibility.”
Bensouda’s remarks leave room for talks between the two political camps, which went their separate ways during coalition negotiations earlier this year.
The UDP has since pursued cooperation with other political groups, including Gambia for All, while Bensouda is preparing to lead Coalition 2026 into the December 5 election.
Whether the two sides can reach an understanding remains uncertain, but Bensouda’s position draws a clear distinction between working with the UDP and returning to the party.
