Former United Democratic Party (UDP) campaign manager Momodou Sabally has accused Kanifing Municipality Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda of plotting to split the party ahead of the 2026 presidential election in order to secure the UDP’s leadership for himself.

Sabally, now a senior adviser to President Adama Barrow and deputy campaign manager for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), made the remarks during an interview with Star Radio, escalating tensions within the country’s main opposition party.

“Talib’s goal is to divide the UDP and contest the 2026 presidential election,” Sabally claimed. “His attempt to have the IEC block Lawyer Ousainou Darboe from contesting has failed.”

The allegations come amid growing internal rifts in the UDP, most recently highlighted by a public fallout between party figures following a heated social media dispute.

Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe openly warned that he would quit the party if Talib is endorsed as the presidential candidate for 2026, accusing the mayor’s camp of orchestrating a smear campaign against party leader Ousainou Darboe.

Sabally alleged that Bensouda and his allies within the party have been working behind the scenes to amend the UDP’s internal rules, particularly those governing the central committee, to pave the way for Talib’s candidacy.

“What Rohey Lowe said is the truth; there is a Talib Bensouda camp within the UDP. I know them,” Sabally said, referencing recent comments by Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe who similarly accused Talib of undermining party unity.

“Talib is greedy and power-hungry. He will do anything to destroy the UDP,” Sabally added.

The UDP has not officially responded to the allegations, but party insiders suggest growing unease as internal factions harden ahead of a crucial leadership decision.

By Adama Makasuba