APP-SOBEYAA has rejected a statement calling for the resignation of its party leader, Essa Mbye Faal, saying it was not authorised by the party’s National Executive and does not represent its official position.

The party was responding to a statement issued on 24 September by a group of individuals claiming to speak on behalf of APP-SOBEYAA and criticising the party’s decision to enter into an alliance with the National People’s Party (NPP).

APP-SOBEYAA said only one of the signatories to the statement is a member of its Executive Committee, and accused the group of presenting personal views as an official party position.

“The statement is not the position of APP-SOBEYAA and was not authorised by the National Executive,” the party said.

The party also rejected claims that the decision to ally with the NPP was made by Faal personally or without following due process.

According to APP-SOBEYAA, its National Executive consulted all Regional Chairpersons on the proposed alliance before the leadership voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of the partnership, citing the NPP’s reform agenda.

“This was therefore not Essa Mbye Faal’s personal decision. It was a decision considered and supported through the Party’s recognised leadership structures,” the statement said.

The party acknowledged that members are entitled to disagree with decisions taken by its leadership but said internal disagreements must be addressed through the party’s constitutional mechanisms.

“A press release does not replace those processes, nor does it overturn decisions taken by the Party’s authorised structures,” it said.

APP-SOBEYAA said it remained committed to its reform agenda and would continue to operate through its recognised structures.

“The 24 September statement represents the views of those who signed it. It does not represent APP-SOBEYAA’s decision,” the party said.