Sources extremely close to the affairs behind the thick walls of PPP politics, have reported that there is a looming battle to become the PPP presidential candidate in 2025. This, they have reported, has been reignited by the disastrous leadership of Irfaan Ali and is driven by an old grievance from the last leadership contest that has not evaporated.
According to those familiar with the matter, Anil Nandalall, Charles Ramson Jr, Dr. Vindyha Persaud, Dr. Frank Anthony and Bharrat Jagdeo have not given up their claim to the throne. Yes, you saw that correct, Bharrat Jagdeo is determined to return to the helm to lead an oil and gas Republic. Even though he currently enjoys de facto power (practical power), sources are telling this publication that he schemes and plots every day about how to acquire de jure power (power by title).
It has long been decided that Ali’s ineptitude cannot be sustained until the next elections, whether in 2025 or an election induced by any success in the election petitions currently before the courts. Due to the morbid fear of the return of the APNU+AFC Coalition, the presidential hopefuls are queuing up.
Every turn Anil makes is evidence of a man determined to be President. Ramson has long declared his interest and frankly speaking, his obsession. From the British-styled cuff links to the shiny black shoes, he is bursting with red carpet fever. Dr. Vindyha Persaud is supremely conscious that she holds the political cards as the daughter of a PPP stalwart and the leader of the largest Hindu organization in Guyana.
She has long signaled her intentions to be on the throne. Dr. Anthony is still burning with fire from the fallout of the PPP congress in Cotton Field, Essequibo when he lost the battle to be General-Secretary in a secret vote. Dr. Anthony is haunted by the fact that in any free and fair democratic process among the rank-and-file PPP members, he emerges as top but can’t seem to be the presidential candidate. He has quietly complained that there is always one man in his way every time. He seems to be convinced that the process is always rigged against him. As a result, he is probably seeing 2025 as his last chance to walk the red carpet.
The disastrous two years of Ali’s leadership or lack thereof have left the PPP membership, especially in the sugar belt, shell-shocked. As a result, the looming battle ensued.
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