AFC exec appeals to Hughes to remain as leader; party assessing dismal electoral performance

Last Updated on Saturday, 20 September 2025, 16:44 by Writer

The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Saturday said its National Executive Committee (NEC) decided that a group of party members would urge Mr Nigel Hughes to withdraw his resignation and remain as leader until the party’s highest decision-making body elects a new leader.

“The NEC has also directed that a delegation of its members meets with Mr. Hughes to appeal to him to continue serving as Leader until a National Conference is convened to elect new leadership,” the party said in a statement on the outcome of its meeting on Friday. Demerara Waves Online News is aware that Mr Hughes had already refused to stay on, in response to a number of requests for him to do so.

In the interim, the AFC said its Chairman, David Patterson, would fulfill the duties as Leader.

The AFC called Mr Hughes’ undated and unsigned resignation “purported”.

The NEC disagreed with Mr Hughes taking full responsibility for the severe beating at the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections. The party did not win any seat.

“While recognizing Mr. Hughes’ clear intention to act responsibly and uprightly by accepting responsibility for the Party’s electoral misfortunes, the NEC unanimously expressed its gratitude to him for his heroic efforts and invaluable contributions before and during the campaign. The NEC further affirmed that the responsibility for the Party’s electoral performance rests collectively on the entire executive, and not on Mr. Hughes alone,” the party said.

The Party further notes that history is replete with examples of political movements reduced to zero seats in representative assemblies that have nevertheless managed to recover and return stronger.

In this regard, the AFC says work has already commenced on a comprehensive SWOT assessment of the AFC’s 2025 electoral performance, with emphasis on identifying what is needed for the Party to regain its standing.

The NEC says its reaffirms its commitment to rebuilding and repositioning the AFC as a strong, credible, and people-centered political force. “The Party remains dedicated to serving the people of Guyana, defending democracy, and advancing the interests of all citizens.”

The AFC called all members, supporters, and well-wishers to remain united, steadfast, and engaged as the AFC undertakes this process of renewal. “Together, we will overcome this moment of difficulty, and together, we will ensure that the AFC rises again to play its rightful role in shaping a brighter future for Guyana.”