Former Governor of Benue State and ex-Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a resignation letter dated Wednesday, 4 February 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Mbakyer Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, Suswam announced that his decision takes immediate effect.
The former governor, who has served Nigeria in various capacities including as a Member of the House of Representatives, Governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015, and Senator between 2019 and 2023, said the decision was not taken lightly. He expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing him with a platform to serve the Nigerian people over the decades.
However, Suswam lamented that the party, once known for cohesion, internal democracy and progressive opposition, has become riddled with persistent and unresolved internal conflicts.
According to him, disputes over leadership structure, discipline and ideology have been allowed to fester without a clear or credible pathway to resolution.
Despite repeated interventions, reconciliatory committees and public assurances, Suswam noted that the PDP continues to operate in what he described as a state of “deep internal dysfunction.” He likened the party’s current condition to an institution in “political intensive care,” lacking both a consensus diagnosis and an agreed treatment plan.
“As a committed democrat and stakeholder in Nigeria’s political development,” Suswam stated, “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.”
He emphasized that political parties should serve as platforms for ideas, discipline and constructive engagement, rather than arenas for endless internal warfare, adding that the present state of the PDP no longer aligns with these ideals.
Suswam said he considers it both honourable and necessary to step aside, while expressing hope that the party may one day find the courage and consensus needed to resolve its longstanding internal contradictions.
He concluded by asking the party to accept his resignation and to convey his appreciation to members at all levels for the shared political journey over the years.
Senator Suswam’s resignation marks a significant development in Benue State and national politics, given his long-standing association with the PDP and his influence within the party over the years.
