Former Benue State Governor and ex-Senator Gabriel Suswam has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a long association with the opposition party.
In a resignation letter dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, Suswam cited prolonged and unresolved internal conflicts as the primary reason for his departure.
“This decision has not been taken lightly,” Suswam wrote. He acknowledged that the PDP had served as the platform for his political career, enabling him to serve as:
– Member of the House of Representatives (1999–2007)
– Governor of Benue State (2007–2015)
– Senator representing Benue North-East (2019–2023)
Suswam expressed deep gratitude to the party for the opportunities and trust it had placed in him over the years.
However, he lamented that the PDP had significantly drifted from its core founding principles of cohesion, internal democracy, and effective progressive opposition.
He pointed to persistent leadership disputes, breakdown of party discipline, and deep ideological disagreements that had been allowed to continue without any credible mechanism for resolution.
“Despite repeated interventions, reconciliatory committees, and public assurances, the party continues to operate in a state of deep internal dysfunction,” Suswam stated.
Describing the PDP as an institution now “in political intensive care,” he noted the lack of consensus even on identifying the problems, let alone agreeing on solutions.
Suswam said he could no longer reconcile his continued membership with his personal convictions and political philosophy.
“I believe that political parties must serve as platforms for ideas, discipline, and constructive engagement, not arenas of endless internal warfare,” he wrote.
He concluded that the current state of the PDP no longer aligned with those ideals, making his resignation both “honourable and necessary.”
While formally stepping away from the PDP, Suswam did not announce any new political affiliation or next step in his letter.
He wished the party well and expressed hope that it might eventually resolve its internal contradictions.
“Please accept my resignation and convey my appreciation to members at all levels for the shared journey over the years,” the letter ended.
Suswam’s exit comes amid long-standing speculation about his political future, including rumors that he may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or another party. His resignation letter, however, focused solely on his reasons for leaving the PDP without indicating his next destination.
A prominent figure in Benue politics for over two decades, Suswam’s departure is expected to have significant implications for the PDP’s structure and fortunes in the state, particularly ahead of future elections.
