February 04, (THEWILL) — Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent and unresolved internal conflicts within the main opposition party.
In a letter dated February 4, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, the former governor stated that his resignation takes effect from the date of the letter.
“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with effect from the date of this letter,” Suswam stated.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly, as the party had provided him with a platform to serve as a Member of the House of Representatives, Governor of Benue State, and a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For these opportunities and the trust reposed in him, he expressed sincere gratitude.
However, the former governor lamented the current state of the party, which he said has moved away from being a symbol of cohesion and progressive opposition.
“The party has, regrettably, become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts. These disputes, spanning leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution,” he decried.
Suswam further observed that despite various interventions and reconciliation committees, the party continues to operate in a state of deep dysfunction.
He compared the PDP to an institution in “political intensive care,” struggling with a crisis that lacks an agreed-upon treatment plan.
“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 desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building within a stable and functional political framework,” Suswam said.
He emphasized his belief that political parties should be arenas for constructive engagement and ideas rather than endless internal warfare.
Considering the current trajectory of the PDP, he stated it was both honourable and necessary for him to step aside.
Senator Suswam concluded his letter by wishing the party well in resolving its contradictions and urged the ward chairman to convey his appreciation to the members who shared in his political journey over the decades.
