Abuja: Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has raised fresh concerns about the state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the party is in intensive care and may not survive ahead of the 2027 general elections unless drastic reconciliation efforts succeed.
Suswam made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Arise TV, where he expressed dismay over the party’s internal crisis, leadership disputes, and recent high-profile defections.
“The PDP is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It can still be rescued — but that depends on whether Senator Bukola Saraki’s reconciliation efforts succeed,” he said.
Suswam was referring to the former Senate President’s ongoing assignment to reconcile aggrieved members of the PDP nationwide.
Leadership Crisis and Defections
The former governor noted that disputes over key positions, including the office of the National Secretary, had further deepened the party’s divisions.
Recent defections of prominent PDP figures such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have also shaken the party’s foundation. Suswam confirmed that many other members were disillusioned and “waiting for the party to end before deciding their next move.”
“If Saraki’s reconciliation moves fail, the party may not recover in time for 2027,” he added.
Calls for Urgent Reform
Suswam’s warning echoes earlier comments from Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, who also called for urgent reforms and reconciliation within the PDP to avoid political irrelevance.
“We must go back to the basics. If we continue like this, the PDP may not survive as a viable opposition party,” Dickson had said.
Hope in Saraki-Led Peace Efforts
Despite the grim outlook, Suswam expressed hope that the Saraki-led team could steer the PDP away from collapse — if given adequate support from party leaders and stakeholders.
“Bukola Saraki has the temperament and political skill for this job. But the question is whether the warring camps will truly embrace peace.”
As the PDP struggles to regain its footing following its loss in the 2023 presidential election, all eyes remain on the outcome of ongoing reconciliation efforts — and whether the party can reposition itself ahead of Nigeria’s next major election cycle in 2027.
