Political News Correspondent
Adochie Nwokenu
Former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has issued a stark warning that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, may not survive until the 2027 general elections if it does not address its internal crises and unify its leadership. The warning, which has sparked widespread debate within political circles, raises serious concerns about the future of the party and its ability to remain competitive in the Nigerian political landscape.
Suswam, a prominent member of the PDP, made the remarks during an exclusive interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday. He expressed his deep concern about the factionalization, leadership struggles, and the lack of strategic direction that he believes are undermining the party’s unity and its chances in future elections. According to him, the PDP’s internal divisions have become so severe that its continued existence as a cohesive political entity is now in question.
Internal Divisions Threaten PDP’s Survival
Gabriel Suswam’s comments come at a time when the PDP is still reeling from the fallout of the 2023 general elections, where it failed to secure the presidency, despite a strong challenge. Since then, the party has been embroiled in a series of leadership crises, with multiple factions vying for control. In addition to power struggles at the national level, there have been disputes within state chapters, with some key figures threatening to leave the party due to disagreements over its direction and leadership.
The former governor pointed to the party’s inability to resolve leadership issues as a critical factor that could lead to its disintegration. “There are deep divisions within the PDP. We have failed to put our house in order, and if this continues, the party may not survive till 2027,” Suswam warned. He also highlighted the lack of a coherent and unified vision among the party’s leadership, which he believes has left the PDP unable to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Leadership Vacuum and Strategic Missteps
A significant concern raised by Suswam is the party’s failure to elect a unifying leader capable of providing clear direction and rallying its members. Although PDP has been the dominant opposition force in Nigeria for years, Suswam suggested that the party is at risk of becoming irrelevant if it does not resolve its leadership crisis.
“The absence of a clear and strong leadership has left us fragmented,” Suswam lamented. “Without a clear vision and leadership, the PDP risks becoming a shadow of its former self. It is essential that we address these issues now, before it is too late.”
Many PDP insiders have echoed Suswam’s concerns, noting that the party’s leadership struggles have already cost it political capital. The inability to present a strong, united front has allowed the ruling APC to maintain dominance in both the executive and legislative branches of government. As a result, some members of the PDP are beginning to question whether the party can ever reclaim its former glory.
The Role of Factionalism and Defections
Factionalism within the PDP has become another major issue threatening its survival. Over the past few years, several prominent members have defected to the APC, including high-profile figures from key PDP states. The defections have weakened the party’s presence in some of its historical strongholds, leaving the PDP with fewer resources and reduced political influence.
Suswam specifically cited the defections of former PDP governors and lawmakers to the APC as a blow to the party’s unity and strength. He also pointed out that many disillusioned party members are increasingly considering joining other political parties due to the ongoing internal crisis.
“We cannot afford to lose more members,” Suswam warned. “If the party continues on this path, it will not only lose elections but also its relevance in Nigerian politics.”
The Path to 2027: A Call for Unity and Reform
Despite his dire warnings, Suswam also offered a glimmer of hope for the PDP, urging the party’s leadership to embark on serious reforms aimed at rebuilding and unifying the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He called for the establishment of a “national reconciliation committee” to bring together all factions and resolve lingering disputes. Suswam emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making and a commitment to shared goals, which he believes could help rebuild the party’s trust and cohesion.
Additionally, Suswam urged the PDP to engage with the electorate in a more meaningful way, particularly the younger generation. He called for the party to adopt policies and initiatives that address the pressing issues facing Nigerians, including unemployment, security, and economic development. By doing so, Suswam believes the PDP can regain the trust of voters and position itself as a credible alternative to the APC.
“We need to show the Nigerian people that we are not just about internal power struggles,” Suswam said. “We need to demonstrate that we care about the future of this country and are committed to bringing about positive change.”
Reactions to Suswam’s Statement
Suswam’s warning has sparked varied reactions within the PDP. Some party members have praised his candidness, acknowledging that the party’s internal crises are indeed threatening its future. Others, however, have dismissed his comments, arguing that the PDP still has time to recover and that the 2027 elections are still far off.
A PDP senator from the North, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that Suswam’s concerns were valid but suggested that the party could still unite if given the right leadership. “The party is facing challenges, but we have time to put things right,” the senator said. “What we need now is strong leadership and a clear strategy to reconnect with Nigerians.”
The Road Ahead for PDP
The future of the PDP remains uncertain. While the party still holds significant sway in several states and has a large base of supporters, its ability to remain relevant in the long term is now under scrutiny. With the 2027 elections fast approaching, the clock is ticking for the party to resolve its leadership disputes, rebuild trust, and re-establish itself as a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
As Gabriel Suswam cautioned, the PDP may not survive if these issues are not addressed. Whether the party can overcome its divisions and chart a new course toward unity and success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the path to 2027 will be a challenging one for the PDP.
