Ousainou Darboe, leader of United Democratic Party, has firmly rejected claims of internal conflict within the party, following ongoing speculation about his leadership and political future.

Speaking exclusively to Eye Africa, Darboe said that allegations of discord were being “blown out of proportion” by opponents seeking to destabilise the party. He challenged critics to provide concrete evidence to support their claims of an internal crisis within the UDP.

“Those who think that Ousainou Darboe contesting will cause problems for the party are the ones talking about the young people,” Darboe said. “But there is no internal problem in the party. Anyone who is a bona fide member has the right to aspire to leadership.”

The veteran politician, who served as the UDP’s flagbearer in previous elections, went on to explain that party members were free to express their ambitions within the democratic framework of the party.

“You can be a leader of the party and still fail to be the flag-bearer,” he said, referencing the 2016 election when President Adama Barrow was chosen as the UDP’s candidate while Darboe, then the party leader, was imprisoned.

Darboe’s comments come amid growing speculation regarding his potential candidacy in the upcoming 2026 presidential elections. Despite this, he reaffirmed that any decision he made would involve consultations with his family, close allies, and senior party figures, emphasizing that his actions would always be in the best interest of the party.

“Anytime the UDP wants to select a candidate, I will engage my family, my friends, and some senior members of the party before making my decision,” he said.

The UDP, one of the country’s leading political parties, has been a key player in the Gambia’s post-Jammeh political landscape, advocating for democratic reforms and social justice. Despite facing competition from emerging youth leaders, Darboe’s influence remains significant, with many still viewing him as a stabilising force within the party.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba