NUP Sets Tone for 2026 Elections With Strong Governance Message
- Gunjuronline.com
- 28 minutes ago
- 3 min read
“A Nation Without Rule of Law Stands on Quicksand” as NUP’s Dr. Lamin J Darbo Launches 2026 Bid
The National Unity Party (NUP) on Tuesday, November 25th launched its opening activities at a Press Conference at Sarges Hotel for the 2026 presidential election, with Party Leader, Secretary General and Standard Bearer H.E. Dr. Lamin J. Darbo delivering a powerful statement centred on the rule of law, accountable leadership, and the urgent need for a governance reset in The Gambia.
Addressing party officials, supporters, members of the media and invited guests, Dr. Darbo described the event as the “opening salvos of Election 2026” and a celebration of the party’s “widely acknowledged vision”. He called on members to recognise both the founding architects and the growing number of Gambians sustaining the NUP’s progress.
Rule of Law at the Heart of National Progress
In a speech grounded in legal philosophy and practical governance, Dr. Darbo emphasised that no society can thrive without the rule of law. He argued that the concept is often misused by leaders who proclaim it while simultaneously undermining it, but insisted that its true meaning is simple and observable.
He stressed that the rule of law requires:
That no person is punishable except for an established breach of the law;
That no one is above the law, regardless of status or office;
And that separation of powers must be real, not theoretical - so that those who make the law are not the same as those who interpret or enforce it.
“Adherence to the rule of law is the foundation upon which nations survive or collapse,” he warned. “A nation that fails to embrace it stands on quicksand and will ultimately fall under the slightest test.”
A Case Study From the United States
To illustrate the importance of strong institutions, Dr. Darbo referenced the well-known Terri Schiavo case in the United States—where courts at state and federal levels resisted political pressure from governors, legislators and even the U.S. President to interfere in a legal process.
He noted that the American judiciary’s firm stand, and the political class’s acceptance of the outcome, exemplifies the strength of a system governed by law rather than personal authority.
“This confirms the inherent magic of the rule of law,” he said. “They fought intensely, but when all was over, they embraced the result and characterised it as a victory for the American system.”
Gambia’s Path Forward: Accountability and Transparency
Turning his focus to The Gambia, Dr. Darbo argued that the most pressing national priority ahead of the 2026 polls must be the election of “a builder” - a leader who understands statecraft, prioritises service, and safeguards national resources.
“The overriding objective of the 2026 Presidential elections must be that the nation elects a builder, not a person who views No. 1 Marina Parade as a place for sumptuous meals in the shade of the cool Atlantic breeze,” he said.
He criticised corruption, short-termism, and the tendency of public officials to collude with unscrupulous investors who exploit vulnerabilities in the system. For The Gambia to compete globally, he said, government must be transparent and institutions must work.
“Government is a service, not an avenue for plunder,” Dr. Darbo declared.
A Call to Action
Dr. Darbo urged Gambians at home and in the diaspora to reflect deeply before casting their ballots in 2026, reminding them that they are permanent stakeholders in the nation’s future.
“A better, open, transparent and humane Gambia must remain your greatest aspiration,” he said.
He concluded by inviting all Gambians who share these values to join the National Unity Party and “play your role in the emancipation of The Gambia from stagnancy.”
