‘PPP fighting racism from APNU and criminality linked to Azruddin in 2025 elections’ – Jagdeo

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not just competing against political rivals in the September 1 General and Regional Elections – it is, according to General Secretary and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, waging a battle against the twin threats of racism and criminality.

Addressing thousands of people at the PPP’s massive “Road to Victory” rally in Bath, Region Five on Sunday, Jagdeo noted that while the PPP comes to voters with a track record of delivering on its 2020 promises—despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic—its opponents have no comparable achievements or credible plans.

“In this election, we are not fighting parties with policies. We are fighting two things—racism and criminality,” he declared.

Jagdeo pointed to four parties on the ballot—APNU, AFC, Forward Guyana, and the ALP—that were all part of the last coalition government. Despite splitting into separate groups, he said, they are “still the same old APNU” preaching division and using fear to discourage Afro-Guyanese from supporting the PPP.

“They tell people that if you support the PPP, we will kick you after the elections,” Jagdeo said, recalling how some Afro-Guyanese in Region Five were initially skeptical about benefiting from government programmes because of decades of anti-PPP rhetoric.

The PPP’s other major opponent, Jagdeo said, is the newly formed WIN party, led by U.S.-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

“This is a party trying to protect one man from criminality,” Jagdeo said, warning that Mohamed’s legal troubles had already resulted in lost visas and frozen bank accounts for some of his associates.

“They will put many people at risk because of his criminality.”

Jagdeo accused Mohamed of manufacturing an image of popularity by paying people to attend events and take photographs, but insisted that “people are smart and will not put their future at risk.”

With just weeks to go before election day, Jagdeo warned that both racism and criminality would be weaponised through lies and rumors, including false claims about impending sanctions on PPP officials.

“When you vote for the PPP, you are voting to continue what we started in 2020,” Jagdeo told the crowd, promising continued development, unity, and prosperity.

“We don’t have opponents with real plans for the future… just some spewing racism and one man hoping a seat in Parliament will save him from jail.”

Jagdeo warned that after September 1, the other five parties will vanish and only the PPP will remain standing. He said the diverse turnout proved that Guyanese from all walks of life were rejecting division and embracing the party’s message of unity and progress.

“When I see the crowds and the diversity here, it makes me proud,” he said. “We are a political party committed to every Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, gender, or where they live. That is why we have seen gigantic success and why the PPP will continue to lead this country into a brighter future for our children.”