Makurdi — Former Governor of Benue State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Gabriel Suswam, has formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing prolonged and unresolved internal crises within the party.
Suswam announced his decision in a resignation letter personally signed and addressed to his Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Describing the move as a difficult but necessary decision, the former two-term governor expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it gave him over the years to serve both Benue State and the nation.
“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,” Suswam stated.
“For these opportunities and the trust reposed in me, I remain sincerely grateful.”
However, Suswam said the party has become engulfed in unending internal conflicts, noting that repeated efforts by stakeholders to resolve the crisis had failed.
“The PDP, once a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition, has regrettably become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts,” he said.
“These disputes — spanning leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology — have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution.”
He added that despite several reconciliatory efforts and public assurances, the party remains dysfunctional.
“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,” he remarked.
Suswam further explained that remaining in the party was no longer compatible with his democratic ideals and political philosophy.
“I believe political parties should 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.”
He concluded by formally stepping aside from the party while wishing it well should it find the resolve to address its internal contradictions.
“Please accept my resignation and convey my appreciation to members at all levels for the shared journey over the years,” Suswam added.
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