The Congress for election of UDP regional chairman for Western Division has ended in disarray, as rival parties remain locked in differences over eligibility of delegates. A source who is familiar with the acrimonious jockeying for the soul of UDP in Western region - a significant theatre for control of UDP leadership and therefore Gambian presidency-explained: “Kombo South has two camps - Camp Buba Gitteh and camp Alhagie Bah ( Buba Gitteh was re-elected as constituency chairman at the troubled congress in sanyang where the MP for Kombo South abruptly left with some of the wards to stage another congress in Gunjur the same day. They elected Alhagie Bah as constituency chairman at the Gunjur congress. Buba Gitteh’s camp including Foday Karl Darboe maintains he is the chairman and therefore should provide the 20 delegates for the election of the divisional chairman. Camp Alhagie Bah claims the same right. Sanimentering, on the other hand protested that the delegates to represent their constituency were handpicked by Yusupha Cham to vote for him. The selection was not approved by their executive/team and as such also provided a different list of delegates”. Perhaps indicative of his meteoric rise and accumulation of influence within the UDP, Yusupha Cham was denied entry into the venue sparking fireworks. The source added: “Yusupha Cham was refused entry into the venue on the basis that he is a dividing force within the UDP and that his candidature is not welcomed. His supporters insists he must be allowed to enter and contest”. Yusupha Cham is contesting against Lamin Jatta of Brikama who Gunjur News Online understands was part of the group arrested and detained alongside Ousainou Darboe during the Solo sandeng march to demand his body. The congress which was abandoned is now re-scheduled to take place on Saturday 24th November.

UDP militants at the Brikama congress