Suswam Dumps PDP, Cites Unresolved Internal Crises
A former Governor of Benue State and ex-Senator, Gabriel Suswam, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal crises and the party’s failure to resolve longstanding leadership and structural disputes.
Suswam’s resignation was conveyed in a letter dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The letter was made public on Wednesday after it was shared on Facebook by his Chief of Staff, Moses Ukeyima.
In the letter, Suswam said his decision followed years of unresolved internal conflicts which, according to him, have continued to weaken the party’s cohesion, discipline, and ideological direction.
“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with effect from the date of this letter,” he said.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. For decades, the PDP provided me with a platform to serve the Nigerian people in various capacities; as a Member of the House of Representatives, as Governor of Benue State, and as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For these opportunities and the trust reposed in me at different times, I remain sincerely grateful.”
However, the former governor lamented that the party had drifted from its founding ideals.
“The party that once stood as a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition has, regrettably, become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts,” he said.
Suswam noted that the disputes, which span leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, have been allowed to fester without what he described as any clear or credible pathway to resolution.
According to him, despite repeated reconciliation efforts and interventions, the PDP has remained trapped in a cycle of crisis, making it difficult for committed members to contribute meaningfully.
“I believe that political parties must serve as platforms for ideas, discipline, and constructive engagement, not arenas of endless internal warfare,” he said.
“Regrettably, the current state of affairs within the PDP no longer aligns with these ideals.”
Suswam added that while he had chosen to step aside, he hoped the party would eventually find the courage and consensus required to resolve its internal contradictions.
As of the time of filing this report, the national leadership of the PDP had yet to issue an official response to Suswam’s resignation.
Suswam’s exit adds to growing concerns over internal divisions within the opposition party, as it continues to grapple with leadership disputes and efforts to reposition itself ahead of future elections.
