Jordan’s call for Norton to ease out from PNCR leadership “counterproductive” – PNCR

Last Updated on Friday, 5 September 2025, 23:02 by Writer

General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Sherwin Benjamin on Friday rubbished a call by former finance minister Winston Jordan for party leader Aubrey Norton to eventually step aside in the wake of Monday’s thrashing at the polls.

“The assertion by former Minister Winston Jordan calling for Norton to step down as PNCR leader is both premature and unwarranted at this stage,” Mr Benjamin said in a statement.

The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) was set to occupy 36 or 37 seats in the 65-seat National Assembly, having won 242,498 votes compared to closest rivals We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) with 109,066 votes and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with 77,928.

Mr Jordan, a former minister in the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration, said Mr Norton should not enter parliament, remain as Representative of the List, do not run for the leadership of the party and become a party Elder without overshadowing the new parliamentary leadership.

But the PNCR General Secretary chided Mr Jordan, telling him that the election process was still ongoing, and should be allowed to run its course “without undue interference.” “Making such statements before the conclusion of the electoral process is not only irresponsible but reckless,” he said.

Mr Benjamin said even if the PNCR-led APNU does not secure the desired outcomes in these elections, it should not be viewed as an indictment of the incumbent leader, given the various factors that influence electoral results. The PNCR General Secretary condemned Mr Jordan’s “ludicrous remarks” and “counterproductive” comments, warning that they “threaten to exacerbate internal rifts.”

“Leadership stability and continuity are vital for the party’s progress, and premature calls for resignation only serve to deepen internal divisions and fuel unnecessary emotions among members,” Mr Benjamin added.

Mr Jordan, in his remarks on KAMS TV earlier on Friday, said the PNCR could not depend on corn house and fish fry to raise revenue but should instead invest some of its real estate, establish companies and bid for contracts. He also said the PNCR needed a well-oiled public relations machinery rather than the “stink” mechanism that was used in and out of government.