Former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam Exits Peoples Democratic Party
In a significant political development, Gabriel Suswam, the former governor of Benue State, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His resignation, which took immediate effect, was communicated through a formal letter dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Reasons Behind the Resignation
Suswam, who has served Nigeria in various capacities under the PDP banner—including as a member of the House of Representatives, governor, and senator—expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities afforded to him. However, he cited an unending internal crisis within the PDP as the primary reason for his departure. He lamented the decline from the days when the party was seen as "a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition."
In his resignation letter, Suswam highlighted several critical issues plaguing the party:
- Persistent problems with ideology and discipline
- Dysfunctional leadership structure
- Lack of consensus on solutions to internal conflicts
A Party in Perpetual Crisis
The former governor decried that every effort to reform the party has proven fruitless, leaving the PDP "perpetually trapped in crisis mode." He described the institution as being in "political intensive care" with no clear diagnosis or treatment plan in sight. This environment, according to Suswam, made it impossible for him to sustain his membership while remaining true to his personal convictions and political philosophy.
Suswam emphasized that political parties should serve as platforms for ideas and constructive engagement rather than arenas of endless internal warfare. He stated that the current state of affairs within the PDP no longer aligns with these democratic ideals, making his resignation both honorable and necessary.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
This resignation marks another blow to the PDP, which has been grappling with internal divisions and leadership challenges in recent years. Suswam's departure raises questions about the party's ability to maintain cohesion and present a unified opposition front in Nigeria's political landscape.
While wishing the party well in its future endeavors, Suswam expressed hope that the PDP might one day find the courage and consensus to resolve its long-standing internal contradictions. His resignation letter concluded with appreciation for the shared journey with party members at all levels over the years.
This development comes at a crucial time in Nigeria's political calendar and may influence political alignments in Benue State and beyond as the country approaches another election cycle.
