Talib Bensouda has been sensationally warned to be extra careful of individuals urging him to quit the United Democratic Party (UDP) and run for the presidency in 2026.

UDP stalwart Lamin Ceesay issued the chilling warning to the Kanifing mayor barely a week after stepping down as the party’s organising secretary, following his withdrawal from the UDP flagbearer race.

Talib has since been tipped as the perfect candidate to return the main opposition UDP to power.

But his rise to the presidency has faced mounting opposition within the party, which remains deeply divided over who should lead them into next year’s polls, despite veteran politician Ousainou Darboe’s controversial selection as the party’s flagbearer.

One UDP die-hard, Lamin Ceesay, delivered a stern warning to Talib Bensouda even as he commended him for withdrawing from the flagbearer race.

“I commend Talib for finally withdrawing from the race to be flagbearer, for honouring his word not to seek the position if Ousainou Darboe contested. Unlike Adama Barrow, who flouted his word.

But I am disappointed in him for stepping down from his position as national organising secretary. He shouldn’t have resigned. And he should be very careful of those pushing him to take such decisions,” Ceesay said.

According to Ceesay, Talib still stands a strong chance of leading the UDP and becoming president, but he must exercise patience until the next elections.

By Adama Makasuba