GEORGETOWN – A prominent figure from Guyana’s opposition has broken ranks to throw his support behind the ruling party, highlighting internal turmoil in the opposition camp ahead of this year’s general elections. Sydney Allicock, a former Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Affairs under the previous APNU+AFC government, announced that he has endorsed President Irfaan Ali for a second term. Allicock’s public defection, coming less than three months before Guyanese head to the polls on September 1, sent shockwaves through political circles and underscored the challenges facing the fragmented opposition.
Allicock, an ethnic Indigenous leader who was once a key voice in the APNU+AFC coalition, said he made the decision after watching his former alliance “lose its way.” In comments to local media, he described a breakdown of trust and unity among the coalition partners that has left them ill-prepared for the upcoming election. “Everybody wants to be president – not seeing the bigger picture…not seeing what it could be for us to truly unite,” Allicock lamented, referring to what he sees as a power struggle between the main opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) and its smaller allies. He noted that in the early days of the coalition government (2015–2020) under former President David Granger, minor parties like his Guyana Action Party (GAP) “had a seat at the table.” But that inclusive approach faded, he said, leaving smaller factions “neglected, left out of the picture” as the coalition leaders jockeyed for influence.
This dysfunction, Allicock argues, has crippled the opposition’s ability to mount a credible campaign. Despite meetings this year between the PNC and the Alliance For Change (AFC) – the two major opposition components – “there was no real confidence that we were ready to go,” he admitted. Allicock said the internal rifts and lack of coordination confirmed his belief that the country needs “strong and stable leadership” at the helm – something he believes President Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) can provide. “I would like to see Guyana moving forward,” Allicock explained, adding that under Ali’s stewardship, “much more will be achieved” if the government is given another term. He also emphasized the importance of national unity, expressing hope that Guyanese will “come together as one” after a divisive political era.
The former opposition stalwart is not alone in crossing the aisle. In recent months, several other ex-APNU+AFC members – including former parliamentarians and youth leaders – have publicly praised Ali’s performance and development agenda, signaling a shift in allegiance. They cite the PPP government’s inclusive policies and tangible results as reasons for their move. Observers note that Allicock’s endorsement carries symbolic weight: he was one of the highest-ranking Indigenous leaders in the previous administration, and his support may bolster the PPP/C’s appeal in hinterland regions. PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo welcomed the trend of what he calls “return home,” asserting that it reflects a recognition by some opposition figures of the current government’s vision. Meanwhile, the main opposition parties downplayed Allicock’s defection as an outlier, even as they scramble to mend internal divisions. With Nomination Day approaching in July, the opposition faces a daunting task to present a united front. Allicock’s message – that true unity has eluded the coalition – underscores the depth of their challenges, and gives the PPP/C a fresh talking point as campaign season intensifies.
