By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, has announced his resignation from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He, however, expressed gratitude to his former party for providing him with a platform to serve Nigerians in various capacities.
Under the PDP platform, Suswam was elected member of the House of Representatives representing Ukum/Logo/Katsina Ala federal constituency from 1999 to 2007, and later two-term governor of Benue State and subsequently Senator.
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, once a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition, has become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts.
He added that these disputes, spanning leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution despite repeated interventions, reconciliatory committees, and public assurances.
“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 stated.
His letter read, “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.