Former Benue governor Gabriel Suswam has resigned from the PDP, citing persistent internal crises and the party’s failure to restore cohesion
Former Governor of Benue State and ex-senator, Mr Gabriel Suswam, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing persistent internal crises, weak leadership structures, and a lack of cohesion within the opposition party.
Also read: Erondu Uchenna Jnr Empowers Obingwa-West Constituents
Suswam announced his resignation in a letter dated Wednesday, February 4, with immediate effect. The letter was signed by the former senator and addressed to the party leadership.
In the letter, Suswam expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing him with the platform to serve Nigeria in various capacities, including as a member of the House of Representatives, governor of Benue State, and senator.
He said he remained thankful for the opportunities and trust reposed in him by the party over the years.
However, Suswam lamented that the PDP had drifted away from its founding ideals, describing a party once known for internal democracy and progressive opposition as now engulfed in unending dysfunction.
He said lingering issues of ideology, discipline, and leadership had been allowed to fester without a clear pathway to resolution, despite repeated interventions and reconciliatory efforts.
“The PDP today appears to be perpetually trapped in crisis mode; an institution in political intensive care, with no consensus diagnosis and no agreed treatment plan in sight,” Suswam wrote.
He added that the prolonged instability had made it increasingly difficult to reconcile his continued membership with his personal convictions and desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building within a stable political framework.
Suswam’s departure comes amid ongoing leadership struggles within the PDP following the 2023 general elections, which left the party divided into rival factions.
The crisis has been marked by deep disagreements among key party figures, including groups aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde.
Suswam said all efforts to stabilise the party had proved fruitless, concluding that stepping aside was both honourable and necessary under the circumstances.
Also read: Senate Proposes Higher Federal Government Share of Federation Revenue
He wished the PDP well, expressing hope that it may one day find the courage and consensus required to resolve its long-standing internal contradictions.
