PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY (PPP)
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Clarification on Recent Public Statements
Date: July 22, 2026
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has taken note of the statement issued by Mr. Saikou Sawo announcing his decision to revive the Golden Era Party and end his membership of the PPP.
The PPP respects the democratic right of every citizen and every political organization to determine its own political future. We thank Mr. Saikou Sawo for his service to the Party and wish him and his colleagues well in their future political endeavors.
However, in the interest of transparency and to ensure the public record remains accurate, the Party considers it necessary to clarify a number of important issues.
The Proposed PPP–UDP Alliance Remains Under Constitutional Consideration
The PPP confirms that discussions with the United Democratic Party (UDP) were conducted in good faith through a duly constituted Coalition Negotiation Committee established by the Party Leadership.
A draft alliance agreement was prepared during those discussions. However, the Party has consistently maintained that the proposed agreement remains subject to the constitutional approval processes of the People’s Progressive Party.
Under the PPP Constitution, no alliance agreement becomes binding until it has been duly considered and approved by the Party’s constitutional organs and formally executed by the Secretary General and Party Leader on behalf of the Party.
Until those constitutional processes are concluded, the PPP has not adopted a final position on the proposed alliance. Any public representation suggesting otherwise did not constitute the official position of the Party.
The Issue Was Authorization
The People’s Progressive Party wishes to make it absolutely clear that the advisory letter issued by the Board of Trustees was never about the subject matter of the UDP press conference.
The PPP has consistently supported free, fair, transparent, and credible elections and remains committed to protecting the integrity of The Gambia’s democratic process.
The issue was one of authorization.
Over a period of time, Mr. Saikou Sawo publicly associated the People’s Progressive Party with the United Democratic Party through public engagements and statements without the knowledge or authorization of the Party Leadership. On a number of occasions, the Party Leadership only became aware of these activities after they had already taken place.
These actions created unnecessary confusion among Party members and supporters regarding the PPP’s official position on the proposed alliance, which remained under constitutional consideration.
Most notably, Mr. Saikou Sawo’s participation at the UDP press conference as the PPP Flag Bearer was neither communicated to nor authorized by the Party Leadership. As the Party’s presidential candidate, he was representing the People’s Progressive Party in an official capacity.
Likewise, previous public statements concerning the proposed PPP–UDP Alliance were made without the knowledge or approval of the Party Leadership.
Under the Constitution and established practice of the People’s Progressive Party, official Party positions on alliance negotiations and other significant political matters may only be communicated by the Secretary General and Party Leader or by a representative expressly authorized to speak on behalf of the Party.
No office bearer, regardless of position, has the constitutional authority to unilaterally commit, represent, or imply the Party’s official position on matters that remain under consideration by the Party’s constitutional organs.
Why the Board of Trustees Issued an Advisory Letter
The Board of Trustees has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard the integrity, unity, and discipline of the Party.
In discharging that responsibility, the Board issued an advisory letter reminding Mr. Saikou Sawo of the constitutional obligations attached to the office of Flag Bearer and cautioning against unauthorized public representations on behalf of the Party.
The advisory letter was intended to preserve institutional order, protect the Party’s constitutional processes, and ensure that official Party positions are communicated through the appropriate channels. It should not be interpreted as opposition to democratic cooperation, electoral reform, or engagement with other political parties.
Constitutional Governance Is a Strength
The People’s Progressive Party rejects suggestions that adherence to constitutional procedures constitutes obstruction or dysfunction.
Strong democratic institutions are built on consultation, accountability, and respect for established rules. The PPP believes that no individual, regardless of office, is above the Constitution of the Party.
Our commitment to constitutional governance, collective leadership, and institutional discipline is not a weakness. It is the foundation upon which responsible national leadership is built.
Issued by:
Kebba Nanko
Director of Policy, Implementation, Media and Communications
People’s Progressive Party (PPP)