Alhagie Suwareh has stepped aside from his presidential ambition to join the United Democratic Party (UDP), calling on other opposition forces to rally behind the party in a bid to defeat President Adama Barrow in the December presidential election.

Speaking at a gathering of UDP supporters, Suwareh said his decision followed months of reflection and political assessment, which convinced him that opposition fragmentation would weaken the chances of unseating the incumbent.

“I find it wise to join the UDP because I believe the party has the technical know-how to develop this country and improve the lives of its people,” Suwareh told supporters.

He said the December election should be viewed as a collective national effort rather than a contest driven by individual ambition, stressing that unity among opposition parties was critical to addressing the country’s challenges.

Suwareh warned against the growing practice of vote inducement, describing it as a threat to democracy and a factor that entrenches poverty and poor governance.

“Vote inducement is dangerous and will only keep the country and its people poorer,” he said, adding that genuine development could only be achieved through credible leadership and accountable governance.

Urging other opposition parties and independent candidates to follow his example, Suwareh called for a united front behind the UDP ahead of the polls.

“For that reason, I call on other opposition parties to join the UDP ahead of the election in order to salvage this country from poverty and bad governance,” he said.

His endorsement adds to ongoing efforts by opposition figures to consolidate support around the UDP as the December election draws closer, with the party positioning itself as the main challenger to President Barrow’s re-election bid.

By Adama Makasuba