Former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, has officially resigned from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and thereafter joined incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Suswam, however, said his former party provided him with a platform to serve Nigerians in various capacities.
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In his letter of resignation dated February 4, 2026, and addressed to the PDP chairman in Mbagber Council Ward, Logo local government area, Suswam said PDP that was once a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition has regrettably become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts.
Suswam maintained that these disputes, spanning leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution.
He noted that despite repeated interventions, reconciliatory committees, and public assurances, the PDP continued to operate in a state of deep internal dysfunction. “The PDP today appears to be perpetually trapped in crisis mode; an institution in political intensive care, with no consensus diagnosis and no agreed treatment plan in sight,” he added.
According to Suswam, “I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with effect from the date of this letter.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. 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.”
Suswam added, “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.
“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.
“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.”
“Please accept my resignation and convey my appreciation to members at all levels for the shared journey over the years,” he said.
Arabella reports that Suswam was elected member of the House of Representatives representing Ukum/Logo/Katsina Ala federal constituency from 1999 to 2007, he later became two-term governor of Benue State and subsequently Senator on the platform of the PDP.