AFC to call emergency executive meeting to decide on Hughes’ resignation

The Alliance For Change (AFC) says its National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet in an emergency session to deliberate on whether to accept the resignation of its leader, Nigel Hughes, who has stepped down less than one month after the party’s heavy defeat at the September 1 general and regional elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party confirmed that its General Secretary had received an updated letter from Hughes tendering his resignation “with immediate effect.”

“The National Executive Committee will be meeting in emergency session to discuss the ramifications and consequences of such a letter and will be encouraging Mr. Hughes to retract same,” the release stated.

The party added that should Hughes remain firm in his decision, its constitutional provisions would guide the way forward.

Just days earlier, the NEC had met and expressed renewed confidence in Hughes’ leadership, following the AFC’s dismal performance at the polls where it secured only 3,610 votes nationally—its lowest tally since its formation in 2005.

“The Party thanks its members and supporters for their well-wishes and courage shown in the face of fortitude and challenges,” the statement concluded.

Hughes was elected leader of the AFC in June 2024. His resignation comes amid questions about the party’s political future and its continued decline since leaving the APNU+AFC coalition.