In a remarkable display of political realignment, Guyana’s opposition APNU+AFC is reeling from a series of high-profile defections, with several influential figures throwing their support behind President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). What was once seen as a relatively stable alliance under the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) has now become a fractured and struggling movement trying to retain its political credibility. The 2025 General and Regional Elections are fast approaching, and the momentum undeniably favors President Ali and the PPP/C.
The most explosive and symbolic of these defections occurred last night in Parliament, where Opposition Member of Parliament Geeta Chandan-Edmond publicly endorsed President Irfaan Ali for a second term. Her declaration of support for the President was a powerful personal testament and a significant embarrassment for the APNU+AFC coalition.
Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones attempted to silence her as she stood to speak, highlighting the increasing authoritarianism within the opposition ranks. Members of the opposition exited the chamber in protest, further emphasizing their failure to confront reality: the APNU+AFC is losing key members and public confidence at an alarming rate.
In her address, Chandan-Edmond eloquently expressed her gratitude to former President David Granger while clarifying that her loyalty lies with Guyana, not party politics. “I will always bat for Guyana. I will always stand for what is right,” she stated passionately. Her words resonated with many, reflecting a broader sentiment among Guyanese voters: it’s time for unity, progress, and visionary leadership, not stagnation and petty politics.
But Chandan-Edmond is far from alone.
Just days before her speech, Region Four Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy, a PNC/R member, endorsed President Ali. His statement provided a clear-eyed, well-reasoned explanation of why the PPP/C has earned his support. “I have consistently supported the work of President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C government… under their leadership, Guyana has experienced unprecedented economic growth, strengthened international partnerships, and significant infrastructural development across every region,” he declared. Sandy praised the administration’s efforts in healthcare, education, housing, energy, and national security—areas where the opposition has repeatedly failed to produce tangible outcomes.
Sandy’s move followed Daniel Seeram, the Region Four Chairman, who recently left the APNU+AFC to support the President and the PPP/C. With both the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Region Four now endorsing the PPP/C, the political landscape for the PNC/R is quickly diminishing.
Adding to the opposition’s troubles is the increasing number of legal experts and intellectuals rallying behind the PPP/C. Notably, attorneys-at-law James Bond and Selwyn Pieters, once staunch opposition defenders, have now come forward to support President Ali.
James Bond, in particular, is a significant loss for the PNC/R. Bond is a charismatic and widely respected figure who holds considerable influence among young Afro-Guyanese and mixed-race communities. His departure is not just symbolic—it is strategic. Bond has been vocal in highlighting that Aubrey Norton, the current leader of the PNC/R, lacks the leadership qualities, policies, and political maturity to guide Guyana through its most transformative era. Bond believes in the PPP/C’s proactive agenda and views them as the only party capable of harnessing the country’s oil wealth to benefit all Guyanese.
Bond’s endorsement fuels a fire already blazing through the PNC/R hierarchy. Attorney General Anil Nandlall, speaking in the National Assembly, pointedly described the situation as a “haemorrhaging” of opposition members. “There may be serious blood shortage before the elections,” he quipped, referring to the constant exodus of influential figures from the PNC/R. His statement, while biting, reflects the grim political reality facing the opposition camp.
And it doesn’t end there.
Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, son-in-law of PNC founder and former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, has also publicly endorsed President Ali. His support carries significant symbolism. If Burnham’s family values President Ali’s leadership over Norton’s, it should be a wake-up call for every remaining opposition member. “He [Ali] has worked assiduously in ensuring increasing participation of our people based on the resources from the petroleum industry,” Dr. Charles noted.
In April, Thandi McAllister, another former PNC stalwart, joined the growing list of defectors. Her words were poignant: “I joined forces with my brother and friend, Irfaan, because I believe in his vision.” That vision is proving to be contagious.
In 2023, Patricia Chase-Green, former Mayor of Georgetown and long-serving PNC member, joined the PPP/C to contest the Local Government Elections. Alongside her, Lance Smith, former General Secretary of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM), made a similar move, breaking ranks with the opposition to join a government he believes can effect real change.
Beyond the PNC, influential leaders of smaller parties have also realigned with the PPP/C. Shaz Ally of The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), Asha Kissoon of The New Movement (TNM), and Lenox Shuman of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) have all declared their support for President Ali ahead of the 2025 elections. These are not just individual endorsements; they encompass entire constituencies—ethnic, regional, and political—joining the national movement for progress.
Lenox Shuman, in particular, is an influential figure within the Amerindian communities. His leadership and active campaigning for the PPP/C, especially in interior regions, are crucial for ensuring indigenous voices participate in Guyana’s national development. He is collaborating with James Bond and Dr. Andrew Debidin to build a united front to persuade undecided voters, Amerindian citizens, frustrated ex-PNC/AFC supporters, and young people to support President Ali in 2025.
Dr. Andrew Debidin is a dedicated and long-time supporter of the strategic communications team, leading efforts to highlight the economic successes achieved under the current PPP government over the past five years and the financial plan for the next five years. With a deep understanding of Guyana’s development trajectory, he has actively participated in the national discourse by promoting the government’s achievements in infrastructure, energy, job creation, and economic diversification. His unwavering support and insightful perspectives have positioned him as a valued ally in enhancing public awareness and trust in the government’s forward-looking agenda.
Beyond his advocacy, Dr. Debidin is widely respected for his extensive network and strong relationships with key stakeholders in Guyana’s public and private sectors. His ability to engage meaningfully with community leaders, professionals, and policymakers positions him as a bridge between the populace and the government’s vision. His longstanding dedication to the PPP’s principles and progress underscores his role as a trusted advisor and influential figure in Guyana’s ongoing development journey.
Meanwhile, Aubrey Norton’s credibility continues to erode both domestically and internationally. His recent trip to New York was a complete public relations disaster. A viral video circulating on social media showed Guyanese citizens overseas berating and cursing at him in the streets, highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership. His visit—allegedly intended to raise funds for the PNC—has spectacularly backfired, further tarnishing his image.
Aubrey Norton’s political approach increasingly relies on a singular and divisive tactic—playing the race card. By making unfounded accusations of racism against President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Norton seeks to distract from his lack of a coherent policy agenda or vision for Guyana’s future. This strategy has not only failed to inspire confidence. Still, it has also exposed the hollowness of his leadership, as it provides no tangible solutions to the country’s urgent economic and social issues.
The Afro-Guyanese population, long aware of the need for genuine development and inclusive governance, has recognized the emptiness of Norton’s rhetoric. Consequently, thousands are now aligning themselves with the PPP, a party that continues to fulfill its promises and promote national unity. Under the leadership of Dr. Ali and Dr. Jagdeo, the PPP has implemented inclusive policies aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity, and this progress is attracting support from communities throughout the nation.
The narrative is clear: the PPP/C under President Irfaan Ali is forming a coalition for national unity, development, and inclusion. The opposition, led by Norton, is collapsing under the weight of its arrogance, outdated ideologies, and lack of leadership.
At this critical juncture in Guyana’s history—enhanced by oil wealth and expanding global partnerships—the people demand a leader who can deliver results, not just rhetoric. Through action, vision, and integrity, President Ali has demonstrated that he is the right man for this moment.
As each week goes by, the PPP/C not only gains endorsements but also earns the trust and confidence of the Guyanese people. Meanwhile, the opposition continues to lose leaders, weaken its influence, and sink deeper into political irrelevance.
The 2025 elections will not merely be a contest between two parties; they will act as a referendum on leadership, competence, and vision. Given the current circumstances, President Irfaan Ali is poised to win the next general elections and lead Guyana into a new era of prosperity, unity, and global significance.