From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Former Benue State Governor, Sen Gabriel Suswam has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party’PDP).
The former lawmaker for Benue Northeast senatorial district, cited persistent and unresolved internal conflicts in the party as reasons for his resignation.
In a letter signed by Suswam and addressed to the Chairman,
Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP, Mbagber Council Ward, Logo LGA,
Benue State, made available to newsmen in Makurdi, Wednesday, Sen. Suswam said the resignation takes effect from 4th February, 2026.
He insisted that his decision has not been taken lightly, stressing that for decades, the PDP provided him with a platform to serve the Nigerian people in various capacities as a Member of the House of Representatives, Governor of Benue State, and as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He acknowledged those opportunities and the trust reposed in him at different times, saying that he remained sincerely grateful to his former party.
Suswam however pointed out, that 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.
“These disputes, spanning leadership, structure, discipline and ideology, have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution.
“Despite repeated interventions, reconciliatory committees, and public assurances, the party continues to operate in a state of deep internal dysfunction. 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.
“As a committed democrat and stakeholder in Nigeria’s political development, I find it increasingly difficult to reconcile my continued membership with my personal convictions, political philosophy, and desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building within a stable and functional political framework.
“I believe that political parties must serve as platforms for ideas, discipline, and constructive engagement, not arenas of endless internal warfare. Regrettably, the current state of affairs within the PDP no longer aligns with these ideals.
“I therefore consider it honourable and necessary to step aside, while wishing the party well, should it one day find the courage and consensus to resolve its longstanding internal contradictions.
“Please accept my resignation and convey my appreciation to members at all levels for the shared journey over the years”.
It is however, not certain which party he may be heading to but Suswam has lately been romancing with the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He is also a founding member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
