The Golden Era Party, GEP, has pulled out of its partnership with the People’s Progressive Party, PPP, bringing the short alliance to an end.
GEP leader Saikou Sawo announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday. He said the split was caused by internal problems, factional interference, and disagreements over priorities inside the PPP.
The two parties joined forces less than a year ago to build a stronger opposition ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
“When GEP joined PPP, our goal was clear,” Sawo said. “To build a united front that can bring real change to The Gambia. We did it based on principle and national interest.”
Sawo explained that GEP was part of the PPP-UDP Alliance talks. He said Party Leader Madikay Faal was informed throughout the process. A Central Coalition Committee was also set up to guide the discussions. According to him, the agreement was drafted by the PPP Policy Director and the UDP only made minor changes.
But tensions rose after GEP attended a UDP press conference on the ongoing voter registration exercise. Sawo said the event was not partisan. Its aim was to highlight serious problems, including thousands of missing names from the register that could affect the 2026 polls.
“Any party that wants free and fair elections should support efforts to expose those issues,” he said.
Sawo also said GEP members acted with discipline since joining PPP and never damaged the party’s image. However, he accused some factions within PPP of controlling the party’s direction and blocking key decisions.
“Despite support in the Central Executive Committee for a UDP alliance, we saw delays and obstruction. Factional interests were put above the national interest,” he stated.
With the alliance now over, GEP says it will focus on rebuilding and will look for new partners who share its vision.
“The Gambia needs bold leadership and real action,” Sawo concluded. “My loyalty is to the people of this country, not to internal politics.”
The move adds to the ongoing shifts in the opposition as parties reposition ahead of the 2026 elections
