Benue Crisis: Former Governor Gabriel Suswam Resigns from PDP, Eyes ADC Coalition for 2027

MAKURDI — In a major blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has officially resigned from the party, citing an irreconcilable leadership crisis.

In a resignation letter dated February 4, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area, Suswam stated that “stepping aside” had become an “honourable and necessary” move. The exit of the former Senator marks a significant shift in the North-Central geopolitical zone, as he was previously a top contender for the PDP National Chairmanship.

Reasons for the Exit

Suswam’s departure is rooted in the long-standing internal warfare that has fractured the PDP:

• Leadership Paralysis: He lamented the party’s inability to find the “courage and consensus” to resolve its internal disputes.
• The G5 Legacy: Political analysts link his move to the lingering friction between the pro-Wike and pro-Atiku factions, which has left many regional leaders feeling politically stranded.
• Benue Power Struggle: Locally, Suswam has been locked in a battle for party control with his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, a conflict that recently saw the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) suspend the Benue State Executive Committee.

Pitching a Tent with the ADC?

While Suswam did not officially name his new party in the letter, he is widely expected to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

• Coalition Building: Suswam has recently been spotted at high-level consultative meetings with ADC leaders and other opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who joined the ADC in late 2025.
• 2027 Ambitions: Sources suggest Suswam intends to use the ADC as a “third force” platform to mobilize the North-Central region, capitalizing on the growing disillusionment with both the APC and the PDP.

A Shrinking PDP

The loss of Suswam, a political heavyweight in Benue, further depletes the PDP’s influence in the Middle Belt. It follows the Adamawa Rep’s recent advice to Atiku to retire, highlighting a broader trend of veteran politicians either exiting the party or being urged to give way to younger leaders.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja has not issued a formal response to Suswam’s resignation.