Former Benue State Governor and Senator, Gabriel Suswam, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deepening internal crises and a breakdown of cohesion within the party.
A copy of the resignation letter, dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, was sighted by NATIONAL ACCORD
In the letter, Suswam announced his decision to leave the party with immediate effect, stating: “I write to formerly resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with effect from the date of this letter.”
Reflecting on his long political journey within the PDP, the former senator acknowledged the role the party played in his rise, noting that it provided him with the opportunity to serve Nigeria “as a Member of the House of Representatives, as Governor of Benue State, and as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He added, “For these opportunities and the trust reposed in me at different times, I remain sincerely grateful.”
However, Suswam expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current state of the party, lamenting that the PDP has drifted from its founding ideals. According to him, “the party that once stood as a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition has, regrettably, become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts.” He said disputes over “leadership structure, discipline, and ideology” have been left to fester without credible solutions.
Despite various efforts to stabilize the party, Suswam noted that the situation has only worsened. “Despite repeated interventions, reconciliatory committees, and public assurances, the party continues to operate in a state of deep internal dysfunction,” he wrote, describing the PDP as “an institution in political intensive care, with no consensus diagnosis and no agreed treatment plan in sight.”
The former governor further explained that remaining in the party had become incompatible with his democratic values and political beliefs. “As a committed democrat and stakeholder in Nigeria’s political development, I find it increasingly difficult to reconcile my continued membership with my personal convictions, political philosophy, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to nation-building within a stable and functional political framework,” he stated.
Emphasizing his belief in principled party politics, Suswam said, “I believe that political parties must serve as platforms for ideas and discipline and constructive engagement, not arenas of endless internal warfare.” He added that “the current state of affairs within the PDP no longer aligns with these ideas.”
Suswam concluded his letter by describing his exit as both “honourable and necessary,” while expressing hope that the party may someday overcome its challenges. “I therefore consider it honourable and necessary to step aside, while wishing the party well, should it one day find the courage and consensus to resolve its longstanding internal contradictions,” he wrote.
He also requested that his appreciation be conveyed to party members, saying: “Please accept my resignation and convey my appreciation to members at all levels for the shared journey over the years.”