United Democratic Party’s internal divisions are deepening, with seven senior officials reportedly preparing to resign following Mayor Talib Bensouda’s dramatic withdrawal from the party’s flagbearer race.

UDP has been experiencing deep internal divisions for months, as members disagreed over who should lead the party.

Loyalists of Talib believe Lawyer Ousainou Darboe should step aside after leading the party unsuccessfully in elections since 1996, while supporters of the veteran politician dismissed the claims as an attempt to remove him from the party leadership.

One of the key figures likely to step down is Tombong Saidy, who had openly endorsed Talib’s bid to lead the party into the 2026 election.

A party insider told Gambiana: “More than seven top UDP executive members are expected to resign from their positions before the primary selection.”

The primaries, set to take place on September 10, 2025, are drawing closer.

The party is yet to react to the claims.

By Adama Makasuba