PDP Faces Fresh Storm as Suswam Threatens Defection Over Lingering Crisis

Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has issued a strong warning that he may soon leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if the lingering internal crisis within the party is not urgently addressed. Suswam, a two-term governor and former senator, voiced his frustration during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

The former governor lamented the persistent factionalism and the inability of the party’s leadership to effectively manage disputes. “I’m tired of this unending crisis,” he declared. When asked directly whether he intends to leave the PDP, Suswam responded, “There’s a possibility that I will.” He added that he is open to considering alternative platforms like the Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), or even the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“There is Labour Party, there is NNPP. Kwankwaso is my friend. Even APC can be an alternative. I cannot rule anything out,” he said, signaling his growing disenchantment with the PDP’s current direction.

Party Crisis Escalates After Anyanwu’s Reinstatement

The renewed tension in the Peoples Democratic Party comes on the heels of the controversial reinstatement of Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary. Anyanwu, who had earlier stepped aside to contest the Imo State governorship election, was returned to his position under questionable circumstances.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) expressed strong displeasure, accusing Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum of taking unilateral decisions that undermine the constitutionally recognized structures of the party. In a strongly worded statement, the NWC described Damagum’s actions as divisive and capable of deepening the party’s already festering wounds.

This latest controversy has compounded the PDP’s long-standing leadership crisis, with bitter disputes over power sharing, court battles, and factional dominance threatening the stability of the party at both national and state levels.

–Benue PDP in Turmoil: Local Conflicts Mirror National Chaos

In Benue State, the crisis within the PDP mirrors the national turmoil. Factions loyal to different political heavyweights — including Suswam himself, former governor Samuel Ortom, and other stakeholders — have remained locked in a prolonged struggle over the control of the party’s structures.

Suswam lamented that despite the series of meetings and interventions, the PDP leadership has failed to resolve the disputes that have led to parallel congresses and multiple court cases. “In Benue, we are still battling court cases over things that should have been resolved through dialogue. The leadership has gone mute while the party disintegrates,” he said.

The deepening cracks in Benue’s Peoples Democratic Party, according to political analysts, could have significant implications for the party’s ability to mount a credible challenge in the 2027 general elections if left unresolved.

2027 in View: Defections Threaten PDP Stability

With the 2027 general elections looming, Suswam’s threat to exit is seen as a warning sign of more potential defections that could further weaken the PDP’s electoral fortunes, especially in the North Central region. His statement reflects growing disillusionment among key party stakeholders who feel alienated by the party’s inability to conduct internal reforms.

“The APC is not folding its arms; other parties are organizing themselves. If PDP fails to fix its problems, people like me will have no choice but to explore other viable platforms,” Suswam stressed.

The possibility of Suswam joining the APC or any other party could dramatically shift the political landscape in Benue State and the broader North Central zone. It would also embolden other aggrieved PDP members contemplating similar moves ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.

Peoples Democratic Party National Leadership Responds, Calls for Calm

Reacting to Suswam’s remarks, Peoples Democratic Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, appealed for calm and assured members that the party is committed to resolving internal disputes. “The PDP acknowledges the concerns raised by Senator Suswam and other stakeholders. We are a party built on democratic principles and will activate our internal conflict resolution mechanisms to address these issues,” Ologunagba said.

Despite the assurances, there is growing skepticism among observers and party loyalists, many of whom believe that unless the PDP embarks on genuine reconciliation and organizational reform, the exodus of influential members like Suswam may become inevitable.

As the crisis deepens, the PDP faces one of its most critical moments since its formation, with its survival hinging on its ability to unite its fragmented ranks before 2027.