Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could cease to exist before the 2027 general elections if the party’s leadership fails to address its ongoing internal crises.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Suswam noted two major sources of the PDP’s current instability: the unresolved battle over the national secretary position and the escalating rift between Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Senator Suswam likened the party’s situation to being in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with a survival chance contingent on timely and effective intervention.
He noted that many party members are growing disillusioned and are keenly watching the unfolding developments.
“There is a lot of discontent within the party, and many are waiting to see how it ends,” Suswam said.
“Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki will be seen in the next two weeks. For now, I would say that PDP is in ICU. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”
He further stressed that the outcome of the current rescue effort led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki will be critical in determining the party’s future. If these efforts fail, Suswam warned that the PDP may not survive its internal turmoil.
The Guardian reports that the PDP had begun moves to reunite all aggrieved members of the party and has appointed a former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, to head a seven-member committee tasked with refining the modalities for the party’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and convention.
The committee is expected to focus on reconciliation and aligning the party’s leadership ahead of key events later this month and in August.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, after a closed-door meeting with PDP governors, disclosed that the committee’s work will aim to address the party’s internal issues and ensure a unified approach going forward.
Mohammed stressed that the goal is to ensure a smooth NEC and convention, promoting unity within the party as it navigates its challenges.
The committee members include Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), and Peter Mba (Enugu), along with Senators Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
