The Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA) movement, led by Dr. Ousman Gajigo, has dissolved its merger with Gambia For All (GFA). The PPA announced this separation, impacting the political landscape ahead of the 2026 election. The move comes as the PPA is set to join the Unite/NUP alliance, signaling a realignment of political forces in Gambia.
Reasons for the Split
An irreconcilable difference emerged concerning the timeline for Gambia For All's (GFA) internal processes. The Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA) leadership stated its belief that GFA's procedural conclusion should occur now rather than later. A primary motivation for the PPA's initial merger with GFA was the conviction that consolidation within the opposition camp was essential.
The PPA indicated that "there is very little time left to fully prepare for the December 2026 election." The group emphasized the urgency, adding, "At this late stage in the game, it is imperative to make clear where we stand." The PPA further commented on its new alliance, stating, "This group has the combination of ambition, competence and new ideas that are central to bringing a new dawn in Gambian politics."
New Alliance Rationale
The Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA) stated its belief that the Unite/NUP alliance offers a natural core capable of delivering the significant change Gambians desire. The PPA previously indicated a critical need for opposition consolidation, but noted a shift in the political landscape. "But we have now reached a situation where it is obvious that there is going to be two main opposition groups and there is very little time left to fully prepare for the December 2026 election," the PPA stated. The group emphasized the urgency of its decision, adding, "At this late stage in the game, it is imperative to make clear where we stand." The PPA further described its new alliance as possessing "the combination of ambition, competence and new ideas that are central to bringing a new dawn in Gambian politics."
Opposition Landscape
The Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA) has asserted that the political landscape in Gambia is now clearly bifurcated into two primary opposition blocs. The PPA previously indicated a critical need for opposition consolidation, but noted a shift in the political landscape. The PPA stated, "But we have now reached a situation where it is obvious that there is going to be two main opposition groups and there is very little time left to fully prepare for the December 2026 election." This assessment shows the PPA's decision to align with the Unite/NUP alliance, repositioning the party within what it identifies as a streamlined opposition framework ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
Leadership Commentary
The Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA) will align with the Unite/NUP alliance for the 2026 election, a decision leadership framed as a response to the evolving political landscape. The PPA stated, "But we have now reached a situation where it is obvious that there is going to be two main opposition groups and there is very little time left to fully prepare for the December 2026 election. At this late stage in the game, it is imperative to make clear where we stand." The PPA expressed confidence in its new partners, noting, "This group has the combination of ambition, competence and new ideas that are central to bringing a new dawn in Gambian politics."