At least five constituency chairpersons from the West Coast of the United Democratic Party have been booted out by delegates at a recent congress.
According to a reliable source who preferred anonymity, the replaced officials are suspected of habouring an agenda to make President Barrow the leader of the party in next month’s congress.
Currently, the party leader is Ousainu Darboe who is also the country’s vice president. As the party heads to congress next month, there are increasing signals that the party is gradually dividing into Barrow and Darboe camps though officials have vehemently denied it.
In the latest twist of the political drama, delegates at the party’s branch in WCR have replaced the following constituency chairpersons: Kairaba Jaiteh, Brikama North, Aboulie Janneh, Brikama South, Bakary Ceesay Kombo East, Baboucar Gitteh Kombo South, Buwa Fofana Busumbala.
They are replaced with Saikouna Sanneh, Yama Sanneh, Saihou Badjie, Alagie Bah and Kemo Ceesay, respectively.
Contacted for comments, the regional chairman of UDP West Coast Region Yusupha Cham confirmed the changes at least in four constituencies whose congresses he presided over.
Mr Cham however said the sudden change of heart by the delegates has nothing to do with allegations that the deposed officials are suspected to have belonged to the Barrow camp.
“This has nothing do with Barrow or Darboe camps. This was the choice of the delegates who were not imposed but selected by the grassroots members from the constituency,” Mr Cham said. He however agreed that the delegates were not happy that the replaced officials failed to attend the recent UDP sanitization tour.
