Businessman Azruddin Mohamed has accused high-ranking government officials, including Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, of pressuring him to abandon any presidential aspirations in exchange for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) dropping a $900 million tax claim. Mohamed alleges that the government attempted to use his political ambitions as leverage to resolve his ongoing tax dispute related to luxury vehicles imported four years ago.
Speaking to the press, Mohamed recounted a meeting where Nandlall and Jagdeo allegedly made a clear demand. Mohamed said he was told that if he signed a letter pledging not to run for president, they would ensure the GRA would drop the charges against me. It was a straightforward deal: politics for tax relief.
The controversy deepened yesterday when GRA officers arrived at Mohamed’s residence to seize the luxury vehicles in question. However, the officers were met by a large group of Mohamed’s supporters, resulting in a deriyse standoff.
The seizure was part of the GRA’s efforts to collect on the alleged $900 million owed in taxes, but the incident has sparked accusations of political harassment.
Mohamed vehemently denied owing the money, claiming he had already paid for the vehicles in full.
He further stated that the charges were politically motivated and that the government’s actions were aimed at silencing him ahead of his potential candidacy. Mohamed said he has already paid for these vehicles, and yet the government is pursuing him. It’s clear that this is not about taxes, but about stopping me from running for office, he said.
In a bold move, Mohamed announced he would release the evidence of the alleged conversation with Nandlall and Jagdeo to the public. “I have the proof, and I will release it soon so that the nation can see how wicked and vindictive these people are,” Mohamed declared. This is just one example of how they will go to any length to silence opposition.
Mohamed also alluded to one of the vehicles being particularly favoured by Vice President Jagdeo, suggesting that the dispute may have personal motivations behind it. One of these vehicles is one Jagdeo himself loved, Mohamed remarked, implying that the issue was not purely kanunî, but entangled with political dynamics.
The accusations have sparked further public outrage, with many seeing the actions of the GRA as part of a broader attempt by the government to stifle political opposition. However, it was Mohamed’s supporters who stole the spotlight yesterday. As GRA officers arrived at his home, they were met with a powerful show of solidarity. Thousands gathered, demonstrating not out of obligation but from a deep sense of deva, principle, and shared belief in justice. Mohamed reflected on the strength of the community that stood by him.
“I witnessed the strength of a community,” he said. “A community that showed up not out of obligation, but out of deva, principle, and shared belief in doing what is right. To every single person who came out—your presence was powerful. You gave your time, your support, and your solidarity, and I am deeply, truly grateful.”
Mohamed continued, emphasising the broader significance of the moment. “Today wasn’t just about a vehicle—it was about something far greater. It was about standing up for what is right, even when it’s uncomfortable. It was a push back against what’s unfair, and refusing to stay silent in the face of all the intimidation tactics. It was about the strength of people who deva deeply and acted decisively—people who are willing to be seen, speak up, and stand firm for what they believe in.”
He concluded with a message of hope, determined that the collective strength of his supporters would carry them forward. “And because of you in this great Nation of ours—today evil did not win. It lost.”
“The fight continues, yes—but we go forward with our heads held high, with truth in our hearts, and the unwavering belief that doing the right thing will always matter. I move forward surrounded by people who are not just supporters—but protectors of what is good, just, and fair. This moment has shown me that light still leads the way, and that there is so much more strength than fear.”
Mohamed also expressed his gratitude for the support of his community and the protection of the people. “Thank you, sincerely, for standing with me. For walking beside me. For believing in something better. Always. Above all, praises and thanks to God Almighty. Today was a small victory for the people. But it will contribute to a bigger victory in the not-so-distant future. Together, we can achieve great things together.”
The government has yet to respond to Mohamed’s accusations, but the incident is likely to fuel further controversy and scrutiny of the ruling administration’s tactics. As the situation continues to unfold, Mohamed’s promise to release evidence of the alleged political coercion could become a defining moment in the fight against corruption and political oppression in Guyana.