96% of the executive back alliance with UDP, PPP says ‘only two members abstained’
Speaking at the announcement of the PPP-UDP alliance in Pipeline, PPP flagbearer Saikou Saho said between 95 and 96 per cent of executive members endorsed the agreement after what he described as a transparent consultation process involving party officials across the country. “The deliberation process was very transparent and everybody that voted said yes. Two people abstained, but we don’t know the reason why. It could have been connection issues because the meeting was held by conference call,” Saho said. He explained that some executive members could not travel to one location and therefore participated virtually, adding that a quorum was formed before the vote was taken. “I can guarantee you that between 95 and 96 per cent are on board. This is what the party wants,” he said. Saho said the agreement had already been finalised in principle and now awaited only the formal signing, expected early next week when executives from different regions gather to witness the occasion. “The contract is finalised. It is just a matter of putting signatures on it,” he said. He maintained that the alliance was driven by the need to unite the opposition, describing the UDP as the country’s largest opposition party and urging other political parties and movements to join the initiative. “We recognise that Gambia is bigger than all of us. We want more people to come and join this alliance,” he said. PPP executive Nenneh Cheyassin Secka said the decision to support the UDP was motivated by national interest rather than personal ambition. Nenneh recalled how Darboe supported her family after her father spent 11 years in prison. “When everybody turned their backs on us, he gave us food and a place to stay. He never asked for anything in return. That is the kind of person I believe can lead this country,” she said. “If you love The Gambia and truly want change, you have to put personal ambitions aside,” she said. UDP leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe welcomed the endorsement, describing it as a step towards building a broader opposition front. “Our relationship is informed by concern for the people of this country. This is not about making someone president. It is about rescuing this country,” Darboe said, while calling on other political parties and civil society groups to join the alliance.
Black News 
Speaking at the announcement of the PPP-UDP alliance in Pipeline, PPP flagbearer Saikou Saho said between 95 and 96 per cent of executive members endorsed the agreement after what he described as a transparent consultation process involving party officials across the country.
“The deliberation process was very transparent and everybody that voted said yes. Two people abstained, but we don’t know the reason why. It could have been connection issues because the meeting was held by conference call,” Saho said.
He explained that some executive members could not travel to one location and therefore participated virtually, adding that a quorum was formed before the vote was taken.
“I can guarantee you that between 95 and 96 per cent are on board. This is what the party wants,” he said.
Saho said the agreement had already been finalised in principle and now awaited only the formal signing, expected early next week when executives from different regions gather to witness the occasion.
“The contract is finalised. It is just a matter of putting signatures on it,” he said.
He maintained that the alliance was driven by the need to unite the opposition, describing the UDP as the country’s largest opposition party and urging other political parties and movements to join the initiative.
“We recognise that Gambia is bigger than all of us. We want more people to come and join this alliance,” he said.
PPP executive Nenneh Cheyassin Secka said the decision to support the UDP was motivated by national interest rather than personal ambition.
Nenneh recalled how Darboe supported her family after her father spent 11 years in prison.
“When everybody turned their backs on us, he gave us food and a place to stay. He never asked for anything in return. That is the kind of person I believe can lead this country,” she said.
“If you love The Gambia and truly want change, you have to put personal ambitions aside,” she said.
UDP leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe welcomed the endorsement, describing it as a step towards building a broader opposition front.
“Our relationship is informed by concern for the people of this country. This is not about making someone president. It is about rescuing this country,” Darboe said, while calling on other political parties and civil society groups to join the alliance.
