The leader of the United Democratic Party, Ousainu Darboe, has drawn a firm line in the sand over opposition coalition talks, declaring that the UDP will not accept any arrangement that sidelines its leadership ahead of the December presidential election.

In remarks that could shape the future of opposition unity efforts, Mr Darboe said the party remains committed to coalition discussions but warned that it would not be pressured into abandoning its preferred candidate.

“If you don’t want Darboe, UDP wants Darboe. Nobody will blackmail UDP again,” he said during an interview with Skypower Radio.

His comments come as opposition parties intensify efforts to form a united front against President Adama Barrow ahead of the December 5, 2026 election.

The Coalition Taskforce Committee recently launched nominations for a coalition flagbearer following its latest strategic meeting.

While reaffirming the UDP’s willingness to engage in coalition negotiations, Mr Darboe argued that any alliance must reflect the political strength of participating parties.

“When they say coalition, UDP says, ‘I am here, let’s join together’. The difference between us and others is how we will join together,” he said.

Using a simple numerical comparison, the veteran opposition leader questioned suggestions that the country’s largest opposition party should rally behind smaller political groups.

“I have 50, you have 10, and another has 5. You, with 10, are saying I, with my 50, should come and stand behind you. Let’s be honest, common sense says that’s not how it should be done,” he said.

Mr Darboe stressed that the UDP has not rejected coalition politics and remains involved in multiple opposition platforms.

“We have never turned our back on coalition. Currently, there are coalition talks. At least UDP has been invited to discussions on three platforms, and we have responded and will continue to participate,” he said.

However, he suggested that parties opposed to his leadership may struggle to reach an agreement with the UDP.

“Those we can work with, maybe we will form a coalition with them. But those who say Darboe is the problem, I don’t think they will come to us,” he said.

The comments are likely to fuel debate within opposition circles as negotiations continue over who should lead any coalition challenge against President Barrow.