The Kanifing Mayor, Ahmed Talib Bensouda, on Saturday made a dramatic U-turn on his bid to lead the United Democratic Party (UDP) into the 2026 election. He cited a pledge not to challenge Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, who has led the party since 1996.

Talib’s announcement has sparked speculation that he may go solo in the upcoming presidential election. Analysts suggest he could be using the moment to explore his options outside the party.

The young politician has faced fierce backlash from UDP members long before applying for the party flagbearership. Some of his loyalists had urged Darboe to step aside, citing repeated electoral failures since 1996, when Talib was just nine years old.

However, Talib’s critics within the party dismissed these claims, describing them as an attempt to oust Darboe from leadership.

The party’s internal divisions run deeper than outsiders realise. Talib’s trust in UDP is fragile, which could affect his future in the party.

There have also been unfounded claims that his withdrawal was due to mounting pressure, with some suggesting he is being singled out as a traitor to Darboe.

Talib dismissed these claims in his announcement, warning those making such accusations to stop castigating and insulting those with differing political views.

Talib was nurtured by the UDP in 2018 as a political novice and was later elected mayor after tense and divided primaries, which led some contenders, including Touray, to quit the party citing irregularities.

Love him or hate him, Talib is widely admired, especially in the Greater Banjul area. With his latest decision, all eyes are now on him to see what his next move will be.

By Adama Makasuba