18/06/2026
“If I Was in the UDP, I Would Follow Talib” – Ahmad Gitteh Criticizes Darboe’s Leadership
Ahmad Gitteh of National People’s Party (NPP) has said that if he were a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), he would have followed Talib Ahmed Bensouda, arguing that the former Kanifing Municipal Council mayor was subjected to discrimination, harassment and personal attacks within the party.
Speaking on Dialectic Space TV, Gitteh claimed that Bensouda’s departure from the UDP was influenced by the way the party handled internal leadership issues and disagreements.
“If I was in the UDP, I would follow Talib because the old man has proven time and again that he is not successful,” Gitteh said, referring to UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.
Gitteh argued that Bensouda had every right to seek leadership within the party and contest for higher office. According to him, the UDP failed to properly manage the situation, leading to divisions within the party.
“The way they handled it was not proper. Talib has every right to contest and seek leadership,” he said.
He further alleged that Bensouda was subjected to personal attacks, including comments about his nationality and appearance, describing such remarks as unacceptable.
“They described him as a foreigner. That is unacceptable in the politics of our country in the 21st century,” Gitteh said.
According to Gitteh, younger members of the UDP should be given the opportunity to take up leadership positions. He argued that Ousainou Darboe should allow a new generation of politicians to lead the party.
Gitteh also maintained that Bensouda contributed significantly to the UDP’s growth and popularity through his leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council, but alleged that the party did not treat him fairly.
The NPP member went on to criticize Darboe’s leadership, describing him as unsuccessful and claiming that some party members are seeking change within the opposition party.
On broader political issues, Gitteh described the NPP as a diverse and accommodating party with members from different ethnic backgrounds. He contrasted this with what he alleged were divisive attitudes among some UDP supporters.
