Benue political heavyweight cites internal warfare
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has officially resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a letter personally signed and dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Suswam cited the “endless internal warfare” and “deep internal dysfunction” as the primary reasons for his exit. The letter was addressed to the chairman of the PDP in Mbagber Ward, Logo Local Government Area, and marks the end of his decades-long journey with the main opposition party.
Suswam, who served as a member of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor, and Senator, expressed sincere gratitude for the platforms the party provided him over the years. However, he lamented that the PDP has become a “National” arena for unresolved conflicts spanning leadership, structure, and ideology. He noted that despite numerous reconciliatory committees, the party appears to be “perpetually trapped in crisis mode” with no clear pathway to stability.
The “National” heavyweight stated that as a committed democrat, he finds it increasingly difficult to reconcile his membership with his personal political philosophy. He described the current state of the PDP as an “institution in intensive care” with no agreed treatment plan in sight. This “National” move follows months of speculation regarding his political future after he was seen attending events with the incumbent Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
Collapse of cohesion within the main opposition
The resignation of Senator Suswam is seen as a major blow to the “National” structure of the PDP in the North-Central region. For many, Suswam was a symbol of the party’s resilience in Benue, and his departure could trigger a wave of defections from his loyalists. He emphasized that political parties should be “platforms for ideas” and not battlegrounds for “endless internal warfare” that serves only to distract from nation-building.
While Suswam has not yet announced his next destination, his resignation letter spoke of a desire to contribute meaningfully to the country within a “stable and functional” framework. This has led to intense “National” speculation that he may be heading toward the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the “Renewed Hope” banner. His exit adds to the growing list of “National” figures who have abandoned the PDP since the 2023 general elections.
Future of the PDP in Benue State uncertain
The “Sanctity” of the PDP in Benue State is now under intense scrutiny as other stakeholders weigh their options. With Suswam gone, the party loses its most experienced mediator in a state where it has struggled to maintain its “National” dominance. Party leaders in the state have yet to issue an official reaction, but sources say emergency meetings are already being held to contain the fallout.
As February 2026 progresses, the “National” political landscape continues to shift in favor of the ruling party. Suswam’s departure is a poignant reminder of the challenges facing the opposition as it struggles to reinvent itself before 2027. For the people of Benue, the “Joy-Giver” of political competition may soon be replaced by a one-party dominance if the PDP fails to resolve its “longstanding internal contradictions.”
