Why Can’t Barrow Move On From UDP – Ya Kumba Jaiteh Warns of Tougher 2026 Election Battle

That is the question answered by Ya Kumba Jaiteh, Deputy Senior Administrative Secretary of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who believes President Adama Barrow may still be experiencing the political and even spiritual consequences of his alleged betrayal of the party.

Speaking during a media interview this morning, Ya Kumba argued that the President should be spending more time addressing the country’s pressing challenges instead of repeatedly taking political jabs at the UDP.

She particularly referred to the President’s recent speech during the handing over of vehicles to supporters and campaigners of the National People’s Party (NPP).

According to Ya Kumba, what caught her attention was the President’s suggestion that if the UDP were to be in the State House, those currently enjoying access and benefits associated with power would no longer have the same privileges.

She said the message appeared to suggest that being close to the seat of power is about enjoying personal benefits rather than serving the Gambian people.

“Is power about serving the masses or getting personal benefits and perks?” she asked, questioning the kind of political culture such statements could encourage.

Ya Kumba also turned her attention to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the UDP’s preparations for the next presidential election.

She revealed that the party is preparing to have stronger monitoring mechanisms in place, including the involvement of members of the Gambian diaspora who, according to her, are expected to participate as polling agents.

She insisted that the UDP does not want a repeat of what it claims happened during the 2021 election, particularly at the collation centres.

This time, she said, the party is preparing data experts to monitor the figures and ensure that the results recorded at polling stations correspond with those eventually presented at the collation centres.

“We will count, we will verify, and we will make sure the numbers tally,” was essentially the message from the UDP official.

With the next election cycle already beginning to dominate political conversations, Ya Kumba’s remarks add another layer to the growing battle between the UDP and the governing NPP.

And if her warning about the diaspora, polling agents and data experts is anything to go by, the UDP appears determined to make the next vote count very differently.