The United Democratic Party’s internal turmoil has escalated after four senior members dramatically quit within 24 hours.
They accused the party of silencing dissent and clinging to a “loyalty over competence” culture following the controversial retention of 76-year-old leader Ousainou Darboe.
First to walk away was Gambian-British scholar and lawyer Lamin J. Darbo, who delivered a blistering resignation letter.
“After deep reflection, I submit my resignation as a member of the United Democratic Party,” Darbo declared, describing his exit as “a principled departure” to pursue a higher civic mission.
He accused the party of valuing “loyalty over competence, silence over scrutiny, and expediency over principle,” warning that “a party that cannot govern itself transparently cannot credibly govern a nation.”
Mr Darbo said his hopes for internal reform had been dashed by opaque decision-making and the sidelining of dissenting voices.
Hot on his heels came Alhagie Sedia Fofana, the UDP’s Morocco chapter chairman, who blasted the party for its “reluctance to embrace change” and “failure to resolve internal conflict ripping the party apart.”
Two more senior members, Bakary Makalo and Lamin Ceesay, also tendered their resignations, accusing the UDP of punishing those who refuse to toe the pro-Darboe line.
The mass exodus within 24 hours is the latest blow to the largest opposition party, which faces mounting pressure to renew its leadership and open up its internal decision-making.
By Adama Makasuba
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