Gunjur-Born Legal Luminary Joins UDP Flagbearer Race Ahead of 2026 Presidential Elections
- Gunjuronline.com
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The battle for the flagbearership of the United Democratic Party (UDP) ahead of the 2026 presidential elections has intensified as Lamin J. Darbo, a prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, officially declared his bid for the party’s flagbearer position.
Darbo, who hails from Gunjur in Kombo South, submitted his application on Tuesday, just before the official deadline of September 2nd, 2025. A USA and UK-trained legal expert, he is widely recognised for his deep knowledge of constitutional law and governance and is the founder of the Dabanani Law Centre.
Confirmed List of Contenders
Darbo joins a competitive field of high-profile UDP members who have expressed interest in leading the country’s largest opposition party into the 2026 polls. Among the other contenders are:
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the current Party Leader and Secretary General, who has been at the helm of the UDP since its formation in 1996.
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the influential Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), widely regarded as one of the rising stars of the party.
KMC Lord Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensiuda Dr. Muhammed Danjo, a card carrying party member is a practicing medical doctor.
With these heavyweight figures in the race, the UDP is set for one of the most competitive leadership contests in its history.
Darbo’s Profile: From Courtrooms to Politics
Lamin J. Darbo has built a reputation as a fearless advocate for the rule of law and human rights. He has worked and commented extensively on constitutional matters and governance reforms in The Gambia during the presidency of former President Jawara, Jammeh and now Barrow. His candidacy represents a shift towards a policy-driven leadership style, emphasising institutional reform, human rights, judicial independence, and transparency.
What This Means for UDP
The UDP, historically led by Ousainou Darboe for nearly three decades, is now entering a critical phase of transition. Political analysts believe this race will determine whether the party continues under its long-standing leadership or moves toward a generational change with younger, reformist figures like Talib Bensouda and Lamin Darbo.
“The dynamics have completely changed,” said a political analyst. “With figures like Lamin Darbo and Talib Bensouda in the race, the UDP is heading for an intense internal debate/selection about its future direction.”
The Road to 2026
The UDP executive will deliberate and agree on selecting their next flagbearer in the coming days, a decision that could shape The Gambia’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. For now, all eyes are on how these contenders - each with unique strengths - will appeal to party executive.
Will experience and party loyalty favour Ousainou Darboe? Will the call for youthful leadership boost Talib Bensouda? Or will a legal luminary with a reformist agenda, like Lamin J. Darbo, capture the imagination of the party?
One thing is clear: the UDP leadership race is officially wide open.