Former Governor of Benue State and ex-Senator Gabriel Suswam has officially quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal disputes and lack of unity within the opposition party as reasons for his departure.
Suswam tendered his resignation in a letter dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area, Benue State. The letter was shared publicly on Facebook by his Chief of Staff, Moses Ukeyima.
In his resignation letter, the former governor said his decision was difficult but necessary, stressing that repeated efforts to address leadership tensions, organisational breakdowns, and ideological disagreements within the party had failed to bring lasting solutions.
He said:
“I hereby formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective from the date of this letter. For many years, the PDP has been a platform that enabled me to serve the Nigerian people — as a Member of the House of Representatives, as Governor of Benue State, and as a Senator. For these opportunities, I remain grateful.”
Suswam lamented that the PDP, once regarded as a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy and progressive opposition, is now beset by unresolved conflicts that have undermined its effectiveness.
Despite numerous reconciliation attempts and interventions, he said the party continues to struggle with ongoing disputes over leadership, structure, discipline and ideological direction, with no clear path to durable peace or stability.
He noted that he could no longer continue as a member in good conscience, given his belief that political parties should be platforms for constructive ideas, discipline and engagement — not constant internal warfare.
Suswam expressed hope that the PDP will eventually find a way to overcome its internal divisions and rediscover the unity and purpose it once had.
At the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by the PDP leadership regarding his resignation.