The leader of the All Inclusive Party (AIP), Yiramang Darboe, who on Tuesday announced his withdrawal from the presidential election said he quit because he could not complete the process of renouncing his British citizenship in time for nomination.
In an eight-minute audio message shared with supporters on WhatsApp, Darboe explained that he had expected the process to be completed sooner but later discovered that it could take about six months.
Darboe added that he initially believed an expedited service could help him complete the process earlier, but the UK authorities confirmed that no such option was available.
However, rather curiously, the AIP leader made it clear that his party would not support any of the candidates or political parties contesting the December election.
“We still believe there is no political party or politician in The Gambia better than AIP in uplifting Gambians from the problems we found ourselves in,” he said.
But he maintained that AIP supporters are free to make their own decisions at the polls, according to their conscience and judgement.
Looking forward, Darboe said the party would now concentrate on strengthening its structures and expanding its presence across the country ahead of the 2031 presidential election, when he plans to contest.
