By Adesakin Adefemi
Gabriel Suswam, former Governor of Benue State, has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s persistent internal crisis and dysfunction.
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, Suswam stated that the party’s current state no longer aligns with his personal convictions and political philosophy.
Suswam, who served as a Member of the House of Representatives, Governor of Benue State, and Senator, expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party provided him.
However, he noted that the PDP’s internal conflicts, spanning leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, have been allowed to fester without resolution. He lamented that despite repeated interventions and reconciliatory efforts, the party’s problems persist, leaving him with no choice but to seek greener pastures.
The former governor emphasized that political parties should serve as platforms for ideas, discipline, and constructive engagement, not arenas of endless internal warfare. He wished the party well, hoping it would one day resolve its internal contradictions and emerge stronger.
Suswam’s resignation comes amid speculation about his next political move, with some sources indicating he might join the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Insiders claim that Suswam is being courted by several parties, and his decision is expected to have significant implications for the 2027 elections.
The PDP has been facing internal strife, with several prominent members leaving the party. Suswam’s resignation is seen as a significant blow to the party’s stability and cohesion, raising concerns about its ability to present a united front in the upcoming elections.
Suswam’s tenure as governor was marked by significant achievements, including infrastructure development and social services. However, his administration faced criticism over issues of financial mismanagement and corruption, which have continued to taint his reputation.
The former governor’s resignation has sparked reactions from PDP members, with some accusing Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, of being the primary cause of the party’s internal crisis. Wike has been accused of orchestrating the party’s troubles, but he has denied these allegations.
As Suswam’s resignation takes effect, questions are being raised about the PDP’s future and its ability to regain its former glory. The party’s leadership is under pressure to address the internal conflicts and present a united front, but it remains to be seen whether they can salvage the situation.
