Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda has ruled out any attempt to ever seek a leadership role in the United Democratic Party (UDP) while Lawyer Ousainou Darboe remains at the helm.

The Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor’s comments follow weeks of speculation and internal debates over the party’s future leadership, which have sparked criticism and heated exchanges on social media.

Speaking to Mengbe Kereng, Bensouda dismissed any intention of challenging Darboe for UDP leadership.

“Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is our party leader, and he is a man we look up to. Therefore, I will not contest against him for the position to lead UDP,” Talib said.

Asked whether he would support any UDP member chosen to lead the party in the future, Bensouda affirmed his full backing.

“I will give my full support to anyone selected to lead,” he added.

He urged for unity within the party and called on members to focus on convincing Gambians to vote out the Barrow administration in 2026.

According to him, the party must not allow itself to be distracted in its mission to unseat President Adama Barrow in the 2026 election.

For Bensouda, betraying the United Democratic Party is “out of the equation”, as he credited the party for shaping his political journey.

“I am content with what I have achieved in politics, and I am very grateful to UDP for making me who I am today,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba