Five officials of the ruling National People’s Party have defected to the opposition United Democratic Party. 

The defectors were welcomed in a ceremony on Sunday (18 March) at the UDP headquarters in Manjai. 

They are Buwa Fofana, chairman of the NPP Busumbala Constituency, Manyima Darbo, NPP women leader in Farato, Sally Jatta, NPP campaign manager in Dobong Kunda, Tida Suwaneh, NPP Youth Leader, and Muktar Konta, a NPP supporter from Lamin Kerewan. 

The defectors said they joined the UDP because it’s the only party that could “end the hardships” faced by Gambians. 

Buwa Fofana, who was a former UDP member, said the ceremony was as an homecoming for him. 

“I have returned to my home because I am among the founders of the United Democratic Party,” he said.

“I am back home and I will work for the party and God willing, UDP will be at State House in 2026,” he added. 

UDP party leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe led the welcoming ceremony. He was accompanied by Deputy Party Leader Aji Yam Secka and other senior party officials.