United Democratic Party (UDP) has rejected recent allegations made by Seedy Njie of the National People’s Party (NPP), calling them “false, divisive and dangerous.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the UDP said Mr Njie’s comments during a radio interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez were designed to mislead the public and provoke ethnic tension.

Mr Njie had accused the UDP of promoting tribalism, intimidating non-Mandinka voters, and obstructing the 2020 Draft Constitution.

The UDP dismissed these claims as “reckless fabrications.”

“The UDP is the most inclusive political party in The Gambia, with support from all regions, ethnic groups, and faiths,” the party said.

“It is the NPP that has repeatedly used tribal rhetoric for political gain.”

On the 2020 Draft Constitution, the UDP clarified that by the time the bill was tabled before lawmakers, eight of its MPs had been expelled for siding with President Barrow, and no longer acted under its mandate.

It said the collapse of the constitutional process was a result of actions by the presidency and its allies.

The party also rejected claims of voter intimidation or plans to marginalise ethnic minorities if elected.

“These are dangerous lies aimed at stoking fear and division,” it said.

The UDP further criticised Mr Njie’s political record, recalling his defence of former President Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to concede defeat in 2016 and his role in supporting a state of emergency during the post-election impasse.

The party called on Gambians to reject tribal politics and instead promote unity and democratic values.

By Adama Makasuba