The United Movement for Change (UMC) has stated that the arrest of National Assembly Member Yaya Menteng Sanyang is tied to voter registration and politically motivated.
UMC spokesperson Kemo Bojang told a press conference today that “both the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) are using security forces against UMC members” in a critical political period.
Bojang calls the arrest “disappointing”, saying “it is part of broader political pressure” while electoral activities are underway.
UMC positions itself as a new opposition force ahead of the December 2026 elections. Bojang says the NPP is “terrified” by the UMC and is heavily targeting the movement.
Meanwhile, voter registration and other electoral activities are ongoing, which is why the UMC links the timing of the arrest to politics.
According to Bojang, Hon. Yaya Menteng Sanyang was summoned to Fajikunda Police Station after UDP members in his constituency filed a complaint alleging he (Hon. Sanyang) was involved in “registering illegal voters”.
Bojang further stated that on 19 April, after Hon. Sanyang had cooperated with the police and returned from the station, he was recalled for more questioning. The UMC spokesperson said no case file, evidence, or charges were presented. They described the arrest process “irregular” and an “abuse of process”.
According to Bojang, UMC rebutted the allegations and claims as “false, baseless, and driven by hearsay”.
“Hon. Sanyang has no access to birth records, IEC systems, or registration authority. He’s not Ministry of Health, Records Office, or IEC staff. A private citizen can’t manipulate registration,” he said.
Mr Bojang emphasised that Hon. Sanyang was only encouraging eligible Gambians to register and helping transport constituents to centres, regardless of party.
The UMC mouthpiece said the UDP “fabricated allegations because they feel threatened” by UMC’s growth.
He emphasised that the UMC won’t be intimidated or stopped, saying: “We will contest these elections – by God’s grace and inshAllah we will win!”
He also urged the authorities to act “professionally, transparently and without bias”.
