Former Governor of Benue State and ex-Senator, Gabriel Torwua Suswam, has formally resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the main opposition party of persistent internal conflicts and dysfunction.
His resignation was announced on Wednesday in a letter made available to journalists in Makurdi.
In the letter, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area, Suswam said his decision was not taken lightly, noting the party had been vital to his political career.
“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with effect from the date of this letter,” he said.
Suswam reflected on his years of service under the PDP banner, which he said included roles as a Member of the House of Representatives, Governor of Benue State, and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“For decades, the PDP provided me with a platform to serve the Nigerian people in various capacities; as a Member of the House of Representatives, as Governor of Benue State, and as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For these opportunities and the trust reposed in me at different times, I remain sincerely grateful,” he said.
However, Suswam lamented that the party he once regarded as a bastion of cohesion and progressive opposition had deteriorated into a vehicle plagued by unresolved disputes.
“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.
The disputes, he explained, cut across leadership, structure, discipline and ideology, and had been allowed to “fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution.”
Suswam added that despite repeated interventions, “reconciliatory committees, and public assurances, the party continues to operate in a state of deep internal dysfunction.”
The former governor said he found it increasingly difficult to remain in a party that no longer aligned with his personal convictions, political philosophy and desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
“I believe that political parties must serve as platforms for ideas, discipline, and constructive engagement, not arenas of endless internal warfare. Regrettably, the current state of affairs within the PDP no longer aligns with these ideals,” he said.
Suswam maintained that stepping aside was both “honourable and necessary” but wished the party well “should it one day find the courage and consensus to resolve its longstanding internal contradictions.”
He also expressed his appreciation to PDP members at all levels for their shared journey over the years.
As of the time of reporting, Suswam has not disclosed the political party he intends to join following his departure from the PDP.
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