Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring his resignation effective immediately.
In a letter dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, addressed to the PDP National Chairman and copied to relevant party organs in Benue State, Suswam cited “irreconcilable differences” and a loss of confidence in the party’s direction as reasons for his exit.
The former governor, who led Benue from 2007 to 2015, wrote: “After deep reflection and wide consultation with family, friends, and political associates, I have concluded that my continued stay in the PDP is no longer tenable. I hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from today, February 5, 2026.”
Suswam, a key figure in Benue politics and a former ally of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, did not immediately announce his next political platform but hinted at “exploring options that better align with my vision for good governance, equity, and development in Benue and Nigeria.”
His resignation adds to the growing list of high-profile exits from the PDP in recent months, amid internal crises, leadership tussles, and defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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RPDP National Leadership: Yet to issue an official response, though party sources described the move as “unfortunate but not unexpected.”
Benue APC: Welcomed the development, with some leaders openly inviting Suswam to join the ruling party.
Political Analysts: View the exit as a potential boost for opposition realignment in the North-Central zone, especially if Suswam aligns with figures like Peter Obi (ADC) or other anti-APC coalitions.
Suswam’s defection is the latest blow to the PDP in Benue, a state where the party has faced internal fractures since losing power in 2015.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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