Saikou Sawo, leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has said his party is prepared to join a coalition led by the United Democratic Party (UDP), arguing that opposition forces must recognise political realities and urgently focus on preparations for the December 5 presidential election.

Sawo said the UDP has built the country’s strongest opposition base over decades through “struggle, sacrifice and consistent electoral support,” adding that any credible attempt to defeat the incumbent must acknowledge that position.

He said the PPP is willing to support a UDP-led alliance if it represents the most realistic path to political change.

“For our part, the PPP is prepared to move forward under a UDP-led coalition or alliance if that offers the strongest and most credible path to change,” Sawo said.

“Not because our ambitions do not matter, but because no individual ambition can matter more than the future of the country.

We are ready to partner and contribute our strengths to a broader national effort capable of delivering the change Gambians are demanding.”

Sawo also called on opposition parties to shift attention away from leadership negotiations and instead focus on election readiness, warning that time was running out.

He urged parties to begin putting in place key electoral systems, including parallel vote tabulation, training of polling agents, real-time result reporting mechanisms, and a coordinated legal response framework to safeguard the vote.

“Every month spent debating leadership is a month lost from preparing for victory,” he said.

“If we are serious about change, the time for prolonged deliberation is over. It is time for decisions, organisation and action.”

By Adama Makasuba