The Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) is currently facing an internal dispute, with two factions asserting their legitimacy as the official executive committee of the party that led Gambia to independence under its first president, Sir Dawda Jawara.
The dispute arose following a statement purportedly from the party’s internal judicial body, which declared that the election of Madikay Faal as president, along with other members of his team, had been annulled on the grounds of alleged violations of the party’s constitution. The statement further asserted that Kebba Jallow, the former leader who was defeated at the elective congress, along with his team, are the legally recognised elected officials. The statement indicated that this decision followed a review of a petition submitted by Mr. Jallow and his team regarding the purported constitutional violation by Faal and his team.
The internal body has confirmed that Kebba Jallow will continue in his role as secretary general and party leader, Uthman AN Jeng will serve as deputy secretary general, Ousainou MI Jallow will hold the position of national president, and Maimuna Sawaneh will take on the role of deputy national treasurer. It was also stated that Ousman Madikay Faal, Alpha Ousman Jallow, Sohna Amie Badjan Mboob, Mbemba Nanko, Amadou Bah, Dawda K Jarju, and Karafa Sambou had breached party regulations by not signing the necessary electoral undertaking documents, resulting in the invalidation of their election. Madika Faal’s side swiftly labelled the move a coup.
“The Kebba Jallow Electoral Commission is making an effort to orchestrate a coup.” The members of the PPP have dismissed Mr. Jallow and elected Ousman Madikay Faal as his replacement. Since then, Mr. Jallow has steadfastly refused to step down from his position, appearing resolute in his efforts to subvert the will of the people,” a statement from Faal’s side said.
In the meantime, the spokesman for the Independent Electoral Commission, Pa Makan Khan, was cited by Kerr Fatou stating that they acknowledge solely the executive committees that are elected during party congresses.
The PPP has experienced significant internal conflicts since its revival in 2018, with former vice president Bakary Dabo and Banjul South NAM Touma Njie departing from the party at different times, citing election irregularities during congresses.
