The chairman of Brikama Area Council Sheriffo Sonko has won his long-running legal battle with the United Democratic Party. 

The High Court in Banjul today ruled in Mr Sonko’s favour in a test case brought by the UDP. 

Judge Haddy Roche said there was no grounds for by-election as Sheriff Sonko is still the duly elected leader of the council despite being expelled by the UDP.

The ruling will have a far-reaching implications for political parties and their supporters. 

The trial judge said the case suggested “political immaturity” because “being a member of a party does not necessarily mean you have to be an opposition to the Government”.

UDP was seeking to force a by-election after expelling Sheriffo Sonko and two councillors Billal Faal and Momodou Bojang who they accused of violating the party’s rules. 

UDP accused the three elected officials, who were elected on a UDP ticket, of pledging alliance to the party’s political foe President Adama Barrow.