APNU says it is “undistracted” by former MPs’, regional councillors’ support for PPP

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) says it is “undistracted” by another batch of its members who have now thrown their support behind the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Former APNU Members of Parliament (MPs) Ricky Ramsaroop, Shurwayne Holder and Dinesh Jaiprashad, along with current regional councillors Ravoldo Birbal, Sheik Yaseen, Prince Holder and Gangadai Lloyd recently met with PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo where they expressed a desire to be associated with the party.

“The group praised the Party’s stewardship of the economy, inclusive approach to governance, and the scale of transformation taking place across the country. They noted that the PPP has demonstrated the leadership, capacity and technical expertise required to effectively manage the country, sustain growth, and improve the welfare of every Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, or any other differentiating factor,” a statement from the PPP disclosed on Tuesday.

The APNU subsequently issued a statement, noting that the members are entitled to switch political allegiance.

“The APNU notes the recent decision to cross over to the PPPC by certain former candidates and members associated with the APNU. Every individual in a democracy has the right to choose their political path, and we see it as their right. Anyone who was paying attention will not be surprised by the individuals who chose to switch party allegiance, since they telegraphed it by their statements and actions,” APNU said.

The party also noted that it is “undistracted” by their departure. “The APNU is resolute in its defense of the Guyanese people. We will continue to fight for the interests of the people of this nation, undistracted by their departure because they were not selected to go to Parliament. We wish them the best,” APNU said.

The APNU, which primarily comprises of the Peoples National Congress (PNC), continues to see members leaving, most of whom have gone on to join or support the PPP.

Among the resignations were Members of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Amanza Walton-Desir.

Figueira was an executive member of the PNC, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the PNC’s chairman of Region Ten – one of the party’s strongholds.

APNU’s Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman of Region Four, Daniel Seeram and Samuel Sandy, had also resigned.

Other persons who have resigned from the PNC/APNU are Dr Richard Van-West Charles, Thandi McAllister, James Bond, and Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

APNU’s Georgetown Councillor, Robert Maison as well as PNCR Executive, Mervyn Williams, also tendered resignations. In fact, Williams strikingly made his resignation announcement during a live airing of the party’s weekly programme “Nation Watch”, which he hosted for a number of years.

The thinning of the herd has included the resignation of many longstanding stalwarts including former General Secretary the late Amna Ally, who resigned in 2025 shortly before her death.

Former Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase Green, and City Councillor Trichria Richards, resigned in 2023 ahead of the Local Government Elections that year. They both debut as members of the PPP.

Longstanding party member Ronald Backer, and party Treasurer Fiaaz Mursaline, resigned in 2022.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, a former general secretary, had also resigned.

APNU’s political standing was significantly diminished at the 2025 elections; it no longer holds the position as the main parliamentary opposition. In fact, the main parliamentary opposition now comprises the We Invest Nationhood (WIN) party which was formed by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

Meanwhile, in its statement, APNU said the regional councillors who now support the PPP must resign from their positions, “since they occupy those seats because of votes from APNU supporters”.

APNU regional councillors, former MPs meet Jagdeo, express desire to support PPP