By Tabora Bojang
The National Unity Party (NUP) led by Lamin J Darbo has announced its immediate withdrawal from the opposition coalition talks initiated by APeX, also called CHANGE.
Earlier this month, the party signed an MOU with the UMC which also quit the talks.
In a statement issued yesterday, the NUP said its National Executive Committee (NEC) has resolved that it will not proceed as a signatory to the proposed APeX coalition agreement.
“This decision was reached after careful consideration of the party’s institutional mandate, strategic priorities, obligations to our membership, and our assessment of the prevailing political landscape in The Gambia,” the NUP said.
The party however noted that it recognised the importance of collective action in advancing democratic governance and that its decision to exit the talks by no way diminishes its respect for APeX or for the parties who have chosen to proceed with the process.
“The NUP remains steadfastly committed to the principles that guided these discussions; hope, accountability, national renewal, good governance, and equity. As we move forward, the NUP will continue to engage with all Gambians and stakeholders in pursuit of a united, prosperous, and democratic Gambia grounded on the rule of law,” the party said while expressing its profound gratitude to the APeX Initiative for its exemplary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to fostering dialogue among opposition stakeholders.