Two notable individuals, Baboucarr Jammeh, also known as “Loppy,” the party’s Deputy National Campaign Manager, and Tombong Saidy, Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication, resigned, causing a significant upheaval within the United Democratic Party (UDP). On Thursday, September 11, 2025, both men submitted their letters, copies of which were also given to Kerr Fatou.
Saidy wrote in his letter of resignation that he was grateful for the trust and responsibility he had been given during his tenure. Administrative Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Member of the Fundraising Committee, Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication, Chairman of the Media and Communication Committee, and Member of the Campaign and Organizing Committee are just a few of the prominent roles he has held over the years.
Saidy stressed that his choice stemmed from his belief that Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda possesses the leadership abilities required to guide the UDP and The Gambia toward a more promising future. But he bemoaned the fact that the party’s present course does not fit this vision.
When the potential of a leader like Mr. Bensouda is not acknowledged and accepted as the best course of action, he wrote, “I cannot, in good conscience, continue my membership.”
In a similar vein, UDP founding member Baboucarr Jammeh, who has been with the party since 1996, called his resignation a difficult but necessary decision. In his letter, Jammeh recalled his nearly thirty years of sacrifice and loyalty, but he claimed that recent events had forced him to resign.
Jammeh warned that the UDP’s foundational values of justice and respect were being compromised by the party’s marginalization and insulting of Bensouda and other progressive voices.
According to Jammeh, “I cannot honestly continue to serve in a party environment where those who bring fresh perspectives and a sincere dedication to national renewal are vilified rather than supported.”
Saidy and Jammeh both reaffirmed their dedication to the Gambian people and expressed hope for collaborating with others who share Bensouda’s goal of creating a prosperous, inclusive, and just country.
As the 2026 elections approach, the resignations coincide with growing conjecture regarding internal UDP divisions.
