The political theatre in Guyana has always been fraught with intrigue, ambition, and shifting allegiances. However, few spectacles have been as embarrassing and misguided as Nigel Hughes’ recent attempts to hijack the People’s National Congress (PNC) and elevate the Alliance for Change (AFC) from its current irrelevance. Hughes, now the leader of the AFC, has failed miserably in his quiet coup attempt to oust Aubrey Norton, the elected leader of the PNC. His political maneuvers expose his desperation and the hollow foundation upon which the AFC stands.
Let’s be clear: the AFC does not represent a legitimate constituency in Guyana today. It has no loyal voter base, enduring grassroots support, or ideological identity beyond opportunism. Once seen as a viable third force that could bridge the ethnic and political divide, the AFC has now devolved into a vehicle for personal ambition, primarily that of Nigel Hughes.
Hughes’ strategy is both cynical and simplistic: he aims to remove Afro-Guyanese voters, who make up approximately 29.3% of the population, from the PNC in hopes of securing just one or two seats in Parliament. This does not represent a vision for national unity or democratic progress. Instead, it is a cold, calculated effort to exploit ethnic identity for personal gain.
Hughes refuses to grasp that Guyana is far more complex than his narrow political calculations. The Indo-Guyanese community comprises 38.9% of the population—a decisive voting bloc without which no party can govern. Furthermore, the growing political participation of Amerindians, Portuguese, Chinese, and mixed-race Guyanese emphasizes this point: any leader who relies solely on ethnic consolidation is doomed to fail. Guyana cannot and will not be led by politicians who refuse to engage with the entire mosaic of the nation.
Yet, Hughes continues to degrade the political discourse in Guyana. Every national crisis, including the tragic death of Adriana Younge, is manipulated into a political weapon to attack the PPP/C government. When three international pathologists concluded that the cause of Adriyana’s death was drowning, Hughes chose to disregard the expert findings. Instead, he suggested a conspiracy, without evidence, further fueling national distrust and politicizing a family’s tragedy. This exemplifies gutter politics at its worst.
Such actions are not only irresponsible but also dangerous. In a diverse and sensitive country like Guyana, leaders must work to build bridges rather than fan the flames. Hughes has become emblematic of everything wrong with Guyanese politics: opportunism, tribalism, and a willingness to exploit any tragedy for cheap political gain.
For all his flaws, Aubrey Norton has maintained his leadership over a base that still believes in the PNC’s legacy. However, his decision to align with Hughes—or at least tolerate him—could cost him dearly. Norton must realize that Hughes is not a partner but a predator. His sole goal is to replace Norton and claim the remnants of the PNC’s voter base. Allowing him into the fold is not just politically foolish but suicidal for the party.
Let us not forget that nearly 10% of the Afro-Guyanese electorate has already shifted its support to the PPP/C, recognizing the inclusive development and infrastructural transformation occurring throughout the country. Hughes fails to acknowledge this shifting reality, blinded by ambition and disconnected from the current political landscape.
In a country where unity is essential for progress, Hughes promotes division. While the PPP/C builds partnerships across ethnic and regional lines, Hughes focuses on ethnic politics, hoping to gain parliamentary scraps. However, the Guyanese people are not deceived; they see through this charade. Hughes is the most significant political opportunist in Guyana. The biggest irony is that Hughes has no lifelong supporters or a vote bank in the country. So, how is he going to win? Hence, the reason for trying to hijack the PNC party’s lifelong supporters.
Let us also address the offensive ignorance with which Hughes and others dismiss cultural and religious traditions in their discourse. Hinduism, the world’s oldest living religion, is a philosophy rooted in peace, tolerance, and spiritual liberation. With over 1.3 billion Hindu adherents in India and over 100 million across the globe, Hinduism teaches values of coexistence and nonviolence—values that Guyana desperately needs in its political space. To insult or ignore this heritage is not just disrespectful; it is regressive.
The truth is this: Nigel Hughes is politically dead. His desperation is evident in every unfounded accusation, every divisive speech, and every attempt to tear down others to build himself up. He is not leading a movement; he is chasing relevance.
It is even more ironic that two Afro-Guyanese leaders are now engaged in a political brawl for control of an Afro-Guyanese demographic that is too small (29.3%) to win a general election on its own. The Guyanese electorate—comprising all ethnicities—has become more informed, more discerning, and less tolerant of the old politics of race-baiting and chaos.
The AFC is becoming a political relic, reduced to background noise in national politics. It’s time for Guyanese citizens, especially the youth, to reject these hollow politicians and demand leadership grounded in unity, vision, and substance.
Nigel Hughes may believe he’s gaining support among Afro–Guyanese voters, but he might not receive 3,000 votes during the general election 2025.