Guyana President Irfaan Ali Switches Party from PPP to APNU+AFC
In an unprecedented political move, President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, has announced that he is switching his allegiance from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to the opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). The announcement, which took many by surprise, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the country, given Ali’s long-standing ties to the PPP, a party he had been with for years.
The shift came on the evening of February 13, 2025, when President Ali made a public statement, explaining his decision during a press conference in Georgetown. He emphasized that the move was motivated by his desire for greater political unity and to promote what he termed “a broader national agenda that serves all the people of Guyana.” The move has left both supporters of the PPP and APNU+AFC in shock, as many had believed that Ali would remain steadfast with his party of origin after winning the presidency in 2020.
Ali’s statement was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the PPP are perplexed by what many are calling a betrayal, while APNU+AFC leaders have cautiously welcomed the news, stressing that they would have to further assess the situation before making any definitive statements about his future within the coalition.
A Bold Political Maneuver
Irfaan Ali’s decision to join APNU+AFC represents one of the most significant shifts in Guyanese politics in recent history. As a member of the PPP, Ali had been a major figure in the party’s leadership, which has dominated Guyanese politics for decades, particularly within the Indo-Guyanese community. His presidency, secured in 2020 after a highly contested and delayed election, was seen as a continuation of the PPP’s political influence.
However, sources close to the president claim that Ali had become disillusioned with the party’s internal struggles and the lack of collaboration with opposition forces in the government. It is believed that Ali was frustrated with the persistent divisions between the PPP and APNU+AFC, especially after years of political rivalry that culminated in the contentious 2020 elections. Allegedly, Ali has grown increasingly concerned about the deepening polarization in Guyanese society and believes that a unified government, with support from both major parties, would be the best path forward for the nation.
Political analysts have been quick to point out that Ali’s switch could have profound consequences. By aligning himself with APNU+AFC, Ali is attempting to bridge the political divide between the two major ethnic groups in Guyana: Afro-Guyanese, traditionally aligned with APNU+AFC, and Indo-Guyanese, the PPP’s core base. This shift could signify a new chapter in the nation’s political evolution, as it seeks to reconcile the differences between its two largest demographic communities.
Reactions from Political Figures
David Granger, former President of Guyana and leader of the APNU+AFC coalition, expressed cautious optimism following Ali’s announcement. Speaking from his party’s headquarters in Georgetown, Granger noted that while the development was unexpected, it could present an opportunity for the opposition to build a more inclusive, cross-party government. “President Ali’s decision shows that there is a desire for national unity,” Granger said. “We are open to discussions, and we hope this will lead to a more cooperative and peaceful political environment.”
On the other hand, PPP leaders have expressed dismay and shock at Ali’s sudden departure from the party. Senior PPP officials have suggested that Ali’s switch is a reflection of his personal ambitions, rather than a genuine desire for political unity. “This is a betrayal of the people who put their trust in him,” said one senior PPP member. “Irfaan Ali was chosen to lead the PPP, and his decision undermines the hard work and sacrifices made by the party over the years.”
In the wake of the announcement, there has been growing speculation about Ali’s future within APNU+AFC. Some political observers believe that he may take up a prominent role within the coalition, possibly even seeking a leadership position in the future. However, this is far from certain, as the internal dynamics of the APNU+AFC coalition are complex and often marked by rivalry between its constituent parties.
The Road Ahead for Guyana
As Ali embarks on this new political chapter, the implications for Guyana’s future remain uncertain. Will his switch lead to the creation of a more inclusive political environment, or will it further deepen divisions between the country’s political factions? Only time will tell.
For now, Guyana faces a new political era, one where the lines between old party loyalties have been blurred and the prospects for a more unified government remain an open question. The coming months will be critical in determining how this shift impacts the nation’s political trajectory, its governance, and the everyday lives of its citizens.
Ali’s decision, regardless of its immediate impact, is undoubtedly a defining moment in Guyana’s modern political history, and all eyes will be on how this dramatic change unfolds in
the coming weeks and months.
