Lawyer Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has rejected recent claims made by Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda regarding the party’s internal processes.
Darboe described the allegations as “false, misleading, and without basis.”
Addressing the claim that he sent elders to persuade Mayor Bensouda not to contest for the party’s presidential flagbearership, Darboe insisted that no such directive was ever given.
“The UDP’s internal processes are guided strictly by our constitution,” Darboe said.
“Every eligible member has the right to contest any position, including that of Party Leader and Presidential Candidate. No individual, regardless of position, is above the party or exempt from its democratic norms.”
On the assertion that Mayor Bensouda won the 2023 mayoral election as a coalition candidate, Darboe firmly rejected the claim.
He noted that records from the Independent Electoral Commission show that Bensouda was nominated and contested the election under the official UDP ticket.
Darboe further emphasized that in both 2018 and 2023, the UDP did not enter into any coalition agreement, though other political figures occasionally endorsed its candidates.
While acknowledging Mayor Bensouda’s contributions to the party, Darboe highlighted the collective struggle and sacrifices of ordinary Gambians who built the UDP.
