A vocal exponent of the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) ideals, Tida Kijera, has strongly condemned independent aspiring presidential candidate and former presidential adviser, Fatou Jaw Manneh, over her assertions that the UDP must not lead any coalition seeking to challenge President Adama Barrow in the 2026 presidential election.
“Fatou Jaw Manneh, I am here to respond to you. Let us respect each other and allow the country to move forward. If you want leadership and cannot withstand difficulties that come with politics, take a step away from it.”
The former adviser who served under President Barrow’s administration until 2021 has today contended that the country’s biggest opposition party, UDP, should not lead a 2026 opposition coalition, either as a party or through its presidential candidate.
“Some of us will NOT support or advocate for a UDP party-led coalition or a UDP candidate -led presidential ticket. This time, the priority must be what is best for The Gambia, after weighing all the angles,” Fatou Jaw Manneh stated, arguing that Gambians from different political parties, independent groups, the diaspora, and international partners had rallied behind the UDP-led coalition in 2016, which should be reciprocated.
“In 2026, we would like to see the UDP demonstrate that same spirit by throwing its weight behind another viable opposition candidate if that is what gives The Gambia the best chance for change.”
She stated that Gambians do not want to repeat the same experience of UDP’s epic failure to manage coalition 2026 and its aftermath.
Fatou Jaw’s opinion has triggered criticism from the UDP supporters. Tida Kijera said criticisms directed at the party should be grounded in facts and fairness. According to her, UDP’s role in Gambia’s democratic transition should not be dismissed.
“Gambians backed UDP because of the political struggles and sacrifices it has gone through over the years, and if they are to do the same in this coming election, it’s because of those same struggles and sacrifices,” Tida said, adding that UDP can only be held accountable if it had remained part of President Barrow’s government despite being aware of actions it disagreed with.
Although opposition parties and movements who are currently involved in the ongoing coalition mediation talks agreed last week to adopt a candidate-led model aimed at fielding a single unity candidate for the December election, the exchange reflects growing debate within the opposition circles over which party or movement’s candidate should lead the opposition coalition.
With months to December 2026, the ruling party continues to maintain its grand coalition, hoping to extend President Adama Barrow’s mandate beyond two terms.