Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, announced on Saturday that he is withdrawing from the race to become the flagbearer of the United Democratic Party (UDP) for the 2026 presidential elections and resigning from his position as the party’s National Organising Secretary.
In a statement addressed to his supporters, Mr. Bensouda said he made the decision after a private discussion with the party’s current leader, His Excellency Ousainou Darboe, who confirmed his intention to contest for the UDP flagbearership.
“Today I come to talk directly to the thousands of my supporters who have followed me through my political career. All are aware that I have applied for the flag bearership of the United Democratic Party for the presidential elections in 2026. I have come today to update you on my application,” Mr. Bensouda said.
He explained that his decision was rooted in a prior commitment to defer to Mr. Darboe if he pursued the candidacy. “I have made a prior commitment that if His Excellency Ousainou Darboe pursues the UDP flag bearership, I will not challenge him for that same position. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to meet Mr. Darboe on a one-to-one basis to let him know my desire to lead the UDP and my confidence that if selected, I will become victorious come December 2026. He has also let me know that he is committed to be the UDP flag bearer for 2026. Therefore, I have told him and I am here to tell my supporters that effective immediately I have withdrawn my candidacy for the flag bearership of the UDP 2026.”
Mr. Bensouda also confirmed his resignation as National Organising Secretary, saying it was in good faith to allow Mr. Darboe to appoint a trusted deputy. “Also, I have told Mr. Darbo that, in good faith and in principle, I will therefore resign as the National Organising Secretary of the UDP. Mr. Darboe will need an Organising Secretary who he will trust, an Organising Secretary who can deliver as to his expectation,” he said.
Beyond the internal party decision, Mr. Bensouda emphasized his vision for a more civil political discourse in The Gambia. “I urge all Gambians, politics is not a game of insults, is not a game of division, is not a game of personal attacks or defamatory comments. Politics is a game of national development. Politics is something we should all cherish to foster community unity. Therefore, I urge all Gambians to practice decent politics. I urge all Gambians to practice decent politics. I urge all Gambians to practice decent politics. I urge all Gambians to practice decent politics. I urge all Gambians to practice decent politics. I urge all Gambians to practice decent politics,” he said, repeating the call for emphasis.
Commentators said Mr. Bensouda’s withdrawal leaves the UDP flagbearer race largely centered on Mr. Darboe. Some are suggesting that Bensouda will still go ahead to contest in the 2026 presidential elections. Many commentators online have urged Bensouda to leave the party and to establish his own political party or run as an independent candidate. Some UDP members commented that Bensouda was planning to do what they labelled as a “coup.” Bensouda has not declared his next steps.
