05/09/2025
WHAT MANY UDPians DO NOT KNOW
As the intense and crucial race to the 2026 presidential election begins, the country’s indisputable biggest opposition party has held interviews for applicants vying for the flagbearership position. Interestingly, this time around, unlike previously, many people have pranced their interest in the prestigious post, aiming to lead the party in this historic, crucible and defining moment. Many of these aspirants are seasoned leaders, veteran lawyers, and senior politicians who undoubtedly all possess the caliber to lead the party. This is evident in their post-scrutiny remarks, where they faced the media and spoke about their trajectories and how they intend to transform the nation, should the winds of fortune blow in their favor.
Nonetheless, as smart and authentic as these plans and agendas are, they cannot take effect without victory. Thus, we will shed light on what many UDPians don’t understand. It might seem repulsive to brand some long-time sympathizers as obsolete, but this description in fact perfectly suits some of them. Appearing as though all UDP needs is victory and cannot afford to miss the chance, some UDPians who think they have the whole country’s vote right in their palm are not ready to cling to anything other than Daboe, who has been leading the party since its very inception.
Daboe’s affection for Gambia is unquestionable; he stood where many of his colleagues were muted, fighting against the tyrant not by serving as a social media pundit but by offering his entirety as a sacrifice. Such rare patriotism is worth a standing encomium. However, there is a bigger image before us, and we have to dissect it unapologetically from diverse lenses. I always philosophize that party politics is herculean; it requires being thoughtful and considerate in every move and whatever one seeks to utter because these are the metaphysical fabrics that will haunt one’s decision.
As UDP is in a decisive moment, a stage that can decide for or divide the party’s chance of winning and its status as the majority opposition—let’s dive into it. To many, Daboe is still their candidate and, of course, the winnable one. But this is far from the truth, and even they themselves know that. Everyone carries an equal vote, and if they still believe that Daboe should lead the party and be voted as president because of his sacrifice, then they should tie their waist strongly to be occasionally visiting the polls as opposition leaders.
For a party, it is better to present a competent candidate who might lose than to present an incompetent candidate who will win, because the void of loss is painful. Thus, genuine preparation is needed. Fortunately for UDP, all its candidates are tested leaders with promising track records. Therefore, Daboe, the selection committee should settle on someone who will lead them to their monumental glory.
President Barrow, even though it may seem visibly that the majority of the country are fed up with his leadership and are desperately wanting new leadership, doesn’t twist the fact that he is still the incumbent and can, of course, win unprecedentedly. No one is promised that Barrow will lose, nor is Daboe or any opposition candidate promised to win, but chances lie in the competence, character, and charisma of the candidate.
Those who believe Daboe should run because an inevitable win is on the horizon should visit their books and reflect on their thoughts. Many accede that Talib is the standout winnable candidate, but for many reasons, others say no!
What is your take?
