Figueira not formally a PPP/C member despite endorsing Pres Ali’s re-election

– ‘We don’t work that way’ Jagdeo says

Despite his surprise endorsement of President Irfaan Ali’s re-election bid, former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira is not a formal member of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) — and he doesn’t need to be, according to Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. Addressing the issue at a recent press engagement, Jagdeo confirmed that Figueira’s public pledge to campaign for the PPP/C does not mean he has taken out official party membership.
“No, he’s not required to join the PPP as a member,” Jagdeo stated plainly. “We don’t have these rules that if you come to us you have to carry a party card or cuss the other side. We don’t work that way.”

Two weeks ago, the news of Figueira’s switch in political allegiance broke, as he issued a call to citizens to reflect on the current administration’s track record and vote based on vision, performance, and national interest — not party loyalty.
Figueira, known for his outspoken nature, addressed the criticism he’s received for switching political allegiances, particularly given his once-vocal stance against the PPP/C Government. But he stood firm, noting that his role has always been to speak truth, regardless of which side he is on. Similar sentiments were echoed by Jagdeo, who emphasised that the PPP/C operates differently from traditional political factions that demand blind loyalty or public denunciation of opponents.
He noted that the party welcomes individuals based on shared vision and commitment, not rigid partisan rituals. “We embrace people who share our vision. We’re not a party of suspicion. We take people at face value and his work will determine how much he believes in that vision.”
Jagdeo reiterated that the PPP/C’s national development agenda is inclusive, people-centred, and youth-focused — values he believes Figueira now supports.
While Figueira may not don the PPP/C party colours or hold a membership card, Figueira’s decision to publicly support and campaign for President Ali has undoubtedly strengthened the incumbent’s image as a unifier and reinforced the PPP/C’s inclusion over division.
“He is welcome,” Jagdeo concluded. “And we’re happy that he has decided to support the vision of the People’s Progressive Party.”

I made the right decision
About a week ago, Figueira doubled down on his support for President Irfaan Ali’s re-election bid, saying his bold decision is rooted in truth, service and a deep desire to advance the development of his hometown, Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Despite pushback from some supporters and former party colleagues, Figueira said he remains confident that his decision will ultimately benefit the region and enhance its presence on the national stage.
“I believe I’m making the right choice,” Figueira declared. “This decision will help further the transformation of my community and give the people of Linden more opportunities—to strive, become economically independent and fully participate in national development.”
“Yes, I was critical—and I will continue to be, because I believe in speaking truth. But I’ve seen growth in President Ali, and I believe he listens, even if he doesn’t always act right away. That’s leadership I can work with.”
According to the MP, his endorsement of President Ali is not blind loyalty but a result of thoughtful observation and engagement with national development and his support will go beyond words, as he also announced plans to actively campaign for President Ali’s re-election. Figueira now joins a growing group of politicians who have thrown their support behind President Ali for a 2nd term in office.
Among those persons who have recently come forward to endorse the PPP/C are former People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) General Secretary (GS) and Opposition Parliamentarian Geeta Chandan-Edmond; Alliance For Change (AFC) Regional Councillor Ismail Muhammad- Al-Cush, and Chairman of the Region Seven division of the AFC, David Daniels.
Additionally, Regional Vice Chairman for Region Four and member of the PNC/R, Samuel Sandy has endorsed the PPP/C. He joined Executive Member of the PNC/R and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram, who also endorsed President Ali for a second term. Former PNC/R Central Executive member, Dr Richard Van West-Charles said he believed that President Ali was the leader Guyana needed now. Dr Van West-Charles is the son-in-law of former President and founder of the PNC, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
In April, former PNC member Thandi McAllister also threw her support behind the PPP/C.
In 2023, Lance Smith, former General Secretary of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM), the youth arm of the PNC/R, and former Georgetown Mayor and longstanding PNC member, Patricia Chase-Green broke ties with the PNC and joined the PPP/C to contest the Local Government Elections.
Additionally, leaders of smaller parties – The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) – Shaz Ally; The New Movement (TNM) Dr Asha Kissoon, and the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Lenox Shuman – have also joined the PPP/C ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.