Darboe Declares He Will Not Contest In 2031

For the first time in his long political career, the leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party Ousainu Darboe has categorically stated that the forthcoming  December 5 presidential election would be the last time his name would be in the ballot.

“I will not contest in 2031 and even my children would not allow me,” the veteran lawyer and political leader told West Coat Radio yesterday,

He assured Gambians that he would not come back to tell a different story. 

“When I say I am retiring from politics I am done with it,” Darboe stressed.

As a politician, Darboe said he places a lot of importance on consistency adding that he is not a flip flop politician with inconsistent principles. According to the UDP leader, the presidency or the lack of it does not and will not define his legacy and contribution to the political and legal advancement of The Gambia.

Without taking pride for it, Darboe said what he went through alongside his colleagues in and outside the UDP to salvage The Gambia from the grip of  an autocratic regime is unrivalled by all standards.

“That is a legacy that nobody can contest. All this proliferation of political parties, movements and even demonstrators are all possible today because Ousainu Darboe and other people sacrificed. Our people were killed, tortured and imprisoned. Gambians were galvanised by our plight. So for me, the presidency will not define my legacy,” Darboe said.

Darboe cited the stories of great politicians who have ever lasting legacies and impacts in their countries without becoming president.

“I often tell my daughter that she should not be disappointed if I didn’t become president because she could tell people that my father is the Obafemi Owolowo, the JB Danquah or Blaise Diagne of The Gambia. Those men left huge legacies in Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal respectively and they were never a president for even one day,” Darboe said.