Nigel Hughes resigns as AFC leader after electoral defeat

Nigel Hughes has resigned as leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), just one year after assuming the position and less than a month following the party’s poor performance at the September 1 general and regional elections.

Hughes, who was elected leader in June 2024, confirmed his decision in a letter of resignation in which he accepted full responsibility for the outcome.

He said the results were beyond disappointing, the responsibility for which rests solely on his shoulder while thanking the party for the opportunity to serve.

The AFC secured just 3,610 votes across all ten electoral districts in the 2025 polls. This marked the party’s weakest performance since it was formed in 2005. At its electoral debut in 2006, the AFC had won 28,366 votes and five seats, increasing to 35,333 votes and seven seats in the 2011 elections.

According to party sources, the resignation was undated and discussions are ongoing about whether Hughes should remain in place until a new leader is selected. In his letter, Hughes said he still believes the AFC has a role to play in Guyana’s political landscape and extended best wishes to the party’s executive.

The resignation comes at a time when the AFC is facing questions about its relevance and future direction, having seen a steady decline in support over the last decade.