Campbell and APNU’s 12

Sep 15, 2025 Editorial

Kaieteur News – Guyana, in the fresh light of September 2025, enters a chapter of political realignment. For the first time in decades, the PNCR-led APNU finds itself reduced to a minority’s voice—twelve seats in the National Assembly, while the newcomer- WIN entering the House with 16 and the Forward Guyana Movement one.

Faced with this shift, Aubrey Norton has selected a team of twelve MPs to carry the banner. Norton’s choices will be faced with scrutiny: not only who they are, but what they bring and what they must overcome in a parliament where influence is constrained.

Norton, for many has rightly decided to stay out and must now move to also hand over leadership of the PNCR to someone else. He has chosen Businessman Dr, Terrence Campbell to lead APNU in Parliament. This move, some political observers said might be an indication as to who Norton wants to replace him as leader of the PNCR. Although Dr. Campbell is not a member of the PNCR, from all appearances he commands healthy respect from the party’s base judging from their reaction to him on the campaign trail. With a solid business background, Campbell no doubt brings to the table connections outside narrow party lines and also pragmatism.

If he leads the parliamentary group well and ensures disciplined messaging and rally the twelve, his chances at any leadership contest of the PNCR whenever that party holds its congress will be real possibility. But Campbell would well know too, that leadership in opposition demands charisma, visibility, discipline. He must manage internal expectations, present credible alternatives, and avoid the trap of reactive politics. By his side are some young and old leaders in their own right: Juretha Fernandes, Ganesh Mahipaul, Dr Dexter Todd, Businessman, Saiku Andrews, Coretta McDonald, Vinceroy Jordan, Dr David Hinds and others. The new role for Campbell will also test his ability to bring fresh ideas, to challenge old habits and to connect with younger voters disillusioned with old party structures.

It will be a steep learning curve not just for him, but all the newcomers in the 12: both procedurally in understanding parliamentary rules, how to get media coverage, how to engage constituents under limited resources and how to challenge both the PPP/C that is returning to the House with a bigger majority and their new nemesis- the Azruddin Mohamed-led WIN, which will now take over their role as main opposition.

APNU’s twelve are also being called in difficult times, not at the height of power, but at a time of trial. Some will be like Peter, outspoken, first to the breach, visible. Others more like Andrew or Philip: quieter, but essential connectors. Some will need to be Thomas: doubting, questioning, but crucial in their integrity. The test will not only be individual skill, but unity, trust and shared mission.

One thing is sure, Norton’s 12 face a moment of history. The oak tree that he spoke about in his message last week has been shaken, but now must stand firm and grow anew. They are not called to govern, but to witness, to sharpen, to check power, and to prepare the soil for future resurgence. As the disciples were sent into the world at a time of turbulence, so now APNU’s twelve are sent into the public square. The task is not easy, but opportunity lies in adversity. The people of Guyana deserve a robust, honest, and effective opposition. In serving them, these twelve may rebuild trust and restore the party to its inheritance.

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APNU, Aubrey Norton, PNCR, Terrence Campbell

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