The All Peoples Party–SOBEYAA (APP-Sobeyaa) has confirmed it is in talks to form a political alliance with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) ahead of the December 2026 presidential election. According to an official statement, the party led by Essa Mbye Faal, former Lead Counsel of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), has reached an agreement in principle with the NPP.
Essa Faal first gained national prominence as Lead Counsel of the TRRC, where he led public hearings into human rights violations under former President Yahya Jammeh. In September 2021, Faal announced his independent candidacy for the presidency under the banner of “Team Sobeyaa,” focusing on anti-corruption, judicial and economic reform. Despite his popularity, his 2021 campaign struggled against entrenched party structures, securing roughly 1% of the total vote.
The potential alliance marks a significant shift in Gambian politics, with Faal, a former critic of President Adama Barrow, set to join the ruling coalition. President Barrow had publicly invited Faal to join his camp during the inauguration of the Gunjur Seaside Road on September 19, 2026. Government officials have welcomed the development, with Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay lauding Faal's extensive international experience as a lawyer.
APP-Sobeyaa emphasised that the alliance is not yet finalised, with internal consultations with supporters and stakeholders still underway. The party did not provide details on the terms of the agreement, power-sharing arrangements, or whether Faal will be given a formal role in government.
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed, with some supporters of APP-Sobeyaa expressing support for the move, while others have questioned the ideological consistency of the shift. The December 2026 election is expected to be highly competitive, with debates around constitutional reform, term limits, and economic management at the forefront.
The NPP has yet to issue a formal statement on the agreement, but senior officials have indicated that formal communication will follow the conclusion of joint consultations. If finalised, the alliance would be one of the most significant political realignments since the formation of the NPP coalition in 2021.
The development has sparked interest among political observers, who note that alliance-building has become a defining feature of Gambian elections since 2016. APP-Sobeyaa has urged the public to disregard speculation until an official announcement ceremony is held, with the party expected to communicate the date and details of the formal alliance announcement once consultations are concluded.
Key points
- Essa Faal's APP-Sobeyaa in talks to join President Barrow's NPP ahead of 2026 election
- Faal's potential alliance with NPP marks significant shift in Gambian politics
- Development sparks mixed reactions among supporters and critics
