By: Fatou Krubally, Kemo Kanyi &: Nyima Sillah
Senior Citizens’ Alliance member Modou Mboob has announced his withdrawal from the contest for Secretary General and Party Leader, stressing that peace and unity within the party take precedence over personal ambition.
Mboob first declared his candidacy in December 2024, driven by deep concerns over the CA’s waning presence in national discourse. At the time, he noted that many regional structures had become dormant and that the party’s core value of accountable leadership appeared to be fading. He vowed to lead a campaign for internal reform and stronger member engagement at all levels.
However, following the postponement of the December National Congress, the party’s leadership under Dr. Ismaila Ceesay successfully reactivated regional branches and convened all regional congresses as mandated by the CA constitution. “These developments have rekindled grassroots enthusiasm and demonstrated the party’s renewed capacity for mobilization,” Mboob acknowledged in his statement.
“Following extensive consultations with regional leaders and close comrades, I have been advised to pursue dialogue and reconciliation rather than contest a leadership race that risks dividing our ranks,” he wrote. Mboob praised Dr. Ceesay’s efforts, saying that allowing the current leader to complete his term would prevent unnecessary friction and foster collective progress.
Highlighting a decade-long friendship with Dr. Ceesay, Mboob added, “Withdrawing from this race is a small price to pay to preserve both our friendship and party unity.” Drawing on his Islamic faith, he quoted the Qur’an—“a house divided against itself cannot stand”—to remind supporters that leadership is a divine trust and that division weakens shared goals.
He thanked those who had supported his campaign for their encouragement and reaffirmed his commitment to the CA’s ideals. “I will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and good governance within and beyond our party,” he said.
Mboob also urged Gambians to embrace patience and solidarity, citing Qur’an verses on divine authority (3:26), the virtue of patience (2:153), and the promise of ease after hardship (94:5).
He said he remains dedicated to supporting the Citizens’ Alliance as it prepares for the next National Congress and will work alongside the leadership to strengthen the party’s outreach, organizational capacity, and impact on The Gambia’s political landscape.