GEORGETOWN – The Leader of the WIN Party, Azruddin Mohamed, has launched a fierce counter-offensive against the governing party, claiming that his recent indictment in the United States is the result of a sustained campaign of “political persecution” orchestrated by the PPP. Mohamed publicly accused the administration of misusing state funds to hire a U.S. lobby firm whose “sole purpose is to smear and marginalise political opponents.”
In a dramatic statement issued to his supporters, Mohamed, whose WIN Party achieved a meteoric rise to capture 16 seats in the recent 2025 elections, asserted that the PPP has seen “what is at stake” in the political arena. He declared, “Make no mistake; this is not just a personal attack; this is political; this is a fear tactic.”
The Central Accusation: State-Funded Slander
Mohamed directly accused the administration of spending US$300,000 (equivalent to nearly GY$63 million) on a U.S. lobbying firm to “paint a false narrative about us.” He stated that this money, which allegedly could have been used for the public, was instead “wasted” on “political persecution.”
The Government’s Counter-Narrative
However, the ruling PPP has consistently defended its use of U.S. lobbyists, albeit for a different reason, setting the stage for a contentious debate over the firm’s true mandate. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo claimed that the government hired a U.S. firm to advocate on Venezuela-related issues and to ensure the U.S. government remains fully briefed on any security threats. While Jagdeo has doubled down on the position that there were “no instructions from the government to target US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed,” he has maintained that the firm, due to its specialized expertise, has the professional capacity to track threats like financial illicit flows, which have been widely linked to the Mohameds.
Political Instability and Future Intent
Mohamed, who with 16 seats, commands a crucial segment of the Opposition bloc, used the platform to reinforce his political resolve. He highlighted the administrative tension caused by the delay in swearing in the newly elected Opposition members to the National Assembly. He claimed this stalling is yet another sign of the PPP’s fear and desire to weaken him before the 2030 elections.
In a defiant close, Mohamed pledged to his supporters that he will not retreat or be silenced, despite his father and himself facing 11 combined charges in a U.S. court, including wire fraud and gold smuggling. He concluded with a resolute spiritual reference, confirming his commitment: “If I rid myself of my political ambitions, these attacks will cease, but I, Azruddin Mohamed… reaffirm my commitment to you… I will continue to stand up and fight, no matter the cost.”
