The Gambia Movement for Progress (GMP) of Professor Sidat Yaffa has quitted Coalition 2026 and confirmed it will sign an agreement with the National People’s Party (NPP) at the State House today.
The GMP pulled out of Coalition 2026 led by Talib Bensouda saying the decision was taken by its executive committee and family, following what it described as a number of unresolved concerns previously raised at meetings of the coalition’s governing council.
Asked about rumors linking him to the NPP, Professor Yaffa, said: We are not joining the NPP but we are signing an alliance with them on Tuesday (today) at the State House.”
Reasons for leaving Coalition 2026
Addressing issues surrounding its withdrawal from the opposition coalition, the GMP insisted that it was not given a speaking slot at the Brikama rally despite having emerged as runner-up in the coalition’s August 8 flagbearer election.
The party was particularly concerned that a non-Coalition 2026 member was given a speaking opportunity ahead of leaders of the coalition’s constituent parties and movements,a move it described as disrespectful .
The party said it is also concerned about the conduct of some supporters and militants of Unite who it said were presenting Coalition 2026 as a Unite party struggle and portraying Bensouda primarily as a Unite party flagbearer rather than as the flagbearer of Coalition 2026.
The GMP said it expected greater clarification from the Unite party leadership on the distinction between the party and further alleged that meetings and engagements were sometimes announced by the flagbearer without prior discussion and approval by the coalition’s governing council.
The party said it considered such practices inconsistent with provisions on internal democracy and collective decision-making contained in the coalition’s agreements.
Another issue raised by the GMP concerns Bensouda’s relationship with the Unite party after his selection as Coalition 2026 flagbearer.
It said Coalition 2026 failed to ensure that Bensouda suspended his Unite party membership and took an oath of office on August 8, the date he was endorsed as flagbearer.
The movement described this as a violation of the coalition’s commitments.
The party said the cumulative effect of these issues left it unable to continue as a member of Coalition 2026.
“GMP feels that it would not be part of a Coalition that seldom gives due respect to the signed agreements,” Professor Yaffa wrote.
Despite the withdrawal, the GMP acknowledged its role in the formation of Coalition 2026, particularly its participation in the 16-week negotiations that culminated in the selection of Bensouda as flagbearer.
The movement said it was pleased to have contributed to the process and wished Coalition 2026 success in its future endeavours.