THE circulation of a photo with Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes in the company of United States (U.S.)-sanctioned businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed – self-proclaimed political neutrals- has further ignited public suspicion that a partnership is brewing.

Critics are of the view that this is in contrast to Hughes’ recent statement made just last Friday, that he has not been in contact with the Mohameds since a recent consultation, where AFC executive member Raphael Trotman was present.

“Other than that one occasion when Mr Mohamed and his father consulted me professionally, no, I have not been in contact,” Hughes had said on the sidelines of a picketing event in Georgetown.

It would appear that Azruddin has been actively campaigning against the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) since being sanctioned by the U.S. government for tax evasion, money laundering, and gold smuggling. Opposition activists, including former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine; Charles Sugrim and Verasammy Ramayya are often seen in his company.

His meetings in Berbice and Essequibo are said to be mainly organised by former AFC activists who have been campaigning extensively on his behalf.

Different sections of society have posited the view that the AFC cannot campaign in these areas, given their track record and ‘betrayal’ of voters who were hoodwinked by their lofty promises. It is being alleged that the party has now resorted to using Mohamed to appeal to the electorate.

Additionally, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and AFC have promised the Mohameds that only they can lobby the U.S. government to remove the sanctions if they are elected. A post to this effect was made on the Facebook page belonging to PNC Georgetown Councillor Dexter Forte.

This shift highlights why the AFC and the PNC have recently softened their stances on the Mohameds, whom they had previously accused of serious infractions and criticised those associated with them.

In fact, at the picketing event, Hughes also acknowledged that persons from the party are embracing Azruddin.

“I heard the Vice President’s comments yesterday [Thursday] about because people from the AFC share Azruddin’s posts that somehow that indicates a collaboration, reality is Mr. Azruddin is very popular….” Hughes had said.

Many AFC and PNC officials are now openly supportive of the Mohameds.

Further, several troll accounts and paid influencers are being used to attack their critics and create the illusion of widespread support for their political campaigns.