The Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA), led by Dr. Ousman Gajigo, has formally ended its merger with Gambia For All and announced it will join the UNITE-NUP alliance in preparation for The Gambia’s December 2026 presidential election.
Speaking to Kerr Fatou Media, Dr. Gajigo described the move as a strategic decision to clarify the party’s position in a rapidly evolving opposition landscape. He explained that while the PPA initially merged with GFA to strengthen opposition unity, differences emerged over the timing of alliance commitments.
“GFA is going through their process to make their decision as to which group they will work with,” Dr. Gajigo said. “An irreconcilable difference emerged as to when that process needs to be concluded. PPA leadership believes that time is now rather than later.”
GFA has yet to declare its preferred coalition, but the PPA has opted to move forward with UNITE-NUP, which Dr. Gajigo described as the most credible foundation for an opposition bloc capable of challenging President Adama Barrow.
“I believe the UNITE-NUP alliance provides a natural core of the group that can provide Gambians with the real change we yearn for,” he said. “This group has the combination of ambition, competence, and new ideas that are central to bringing a new dawn in politics.”
Dr. Gajigo emphasised that the split from GFA was amicable, praising its leadership as “individuals of integrity and principles” despite their differing views on urgency.
The decision underscores the shifting dynamics within The Gambia’s opposition, where parties and movements are racing to consolidate alliances before December. For the PPA, Dr. Gajigo said, the time for deliberation has passed: “With only months remaining before the election, opposition groups must move from negotiations to organizing if they hope to mount an effective challenge.”
