Ex-Benue Governor Suswam Resigns From PDP Over Crisis

Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s prolonged internal crisis as his reason for stepping aside.

In a letter dated February 4 and addressed to the Chairman of the Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area, Suswam stated his decision was both “honorable and necessary.” He expressed hope that the PDP might eventually “find the courage and consensus to resolve its long-standing issues.” The resignation letter did not specify his future political affiliation.

Suswam’s departure marks a significant development in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. A two-term governor (2007–2015) and former senator, he was a prominent figure within the PDP, which governed Nigeria for 16 years before losing power in 2015. His exit underscores the ongoing instability within the opposition party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

While Suswam did not confirm his next destination, political observers note he has been associated with a coalition of opposition leaders who have coalesced around the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This group, which includes other former governors and senators, is positioning the ADC as an alternative platform for the next electoral cycle. His resignation is widely interpreted as a step toward formally aligning with that coalition.

The PDP has faced persistent leadership disputes and factional conflicts since its electoral defeat, weakening its organizational cohesion ahead of national polls. Suswam’s resignation adds to a growing list of defections from the party by senior figures, potentially accelerating a realignment of Nigeria’s opposition forces.

Analysts suggest his move could influence other PDP stalwarts in the North Central region, where Benue State is located, to reconsider their allegiance. The ADC coalition aims to attract disaffected politicians from both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), though its long-term viability remains untested.

Suswam’s decision highlights the continued fluidity of Nigerian politics, where alliances shift frequently in the lead-up to elections. His next steps will be closely monitored for signals about the opposition’s strategy to challenge the APC’s dominance in 2027. The PDP has yet to issue a formal response to his resignation.

This development intensifies speculation about a broader opposition merger, with the ADC serving as a potential vehicle. For now, Suswam’s exit from the PDP leaves a void in the party’s Benue structure and reinforces perceptions of a fragmented opposition ahead of the next electoral contest.