United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Secretary General A.N.M. Ousainu Darboe has described the West Coast Region, particularly Brikama, as a decisive battleground in his party’s quest to win the December 5 presidential election, expressing confidence that a strong performance in the area could secure victory at the national level.
“If UDP wins here decisively, we will take State House,” Darboe told supporters on Sunday during a fundraising event organised by the Brikama Market Women Vendors.
The gathering attracted UDP supporters and members of the party-led alliance, which Darboe described as the first coalition in The Gambia.
During his address, the opposition leader welcomed a group of new members led by Satou Badjie, who recently left the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) to join the UDP.
He assured the newcomers that they would enjoy the same rights and recognition as those who had been with the party for years, stressing that the UDP does not discriminate between longtime members and those joining its ranks.
However, Darboe made it clear that joining the party should not end with a change of political affiliation. He challenged the new members to demonstrate their commitment by helping the UDP expand its support base and mobilise voters ahead of the presidential election.
According to Darboe, the defectors had cited the NPP’s alleged failure to serve the national interest as one of the reasons behind their decision to leave the ruling party. He said he hoped their move to the UDP would translate into active participation in the campaign for political change.
He encouraged them to return to their respective villages, compounds and wards to engage former political colleagues and persuade others, particularly those still supporting the NPP, to consider joining the opposition party.
Seeking to reinforce the UDP’s appeal beyond its traditional support base, Darboe described the party as a broad political movement with room for Gambians from different backgrounds and political affiliations.
He compared the UDP to a large tent, saying its doors remained open to anyone willing to become part of the movement.
The party leader also cautioned against viewing membership as an expression of personal loyalty to him or other prominent UDP figures, including Aji Yam Secka and Yankuba Darboe. Instead, he argued that joining the party should be a decision based on what individuals believe is best for their own future and that of the country.
Turning his attention to the economic difficulties facing Gambians, Darboe referred to concerns raised earlier at the gathering by a speaker identified as Madam Binta.
He said citizens were not powerless to mounting economic difficulties, and said the ballot box gave them a chance to demand better leadership and a new direction for the country.
Darboe presented the UDP as an alternative for voters who are dissatisfied with the current administration, urging supporters to channel their frustration with the country’s economic situation into electoral action.
Concluding his remarks, he urged party members and sympathizers, including those who did not attend the Brikama event, to intensify their mobilization efforts and work for a resounding victory in the upcoming presidential election.
With the West Coast Region turning into a major battleground, Darboe’s message was straight to the point: the UDP’s quest to capture State House will heavily depend on its ability to consolidate support in Brikama and rally voters across the region behind its presidential campaign.
