LAGOS, Nigeria — Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue State, has issued a stark warning about the fate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party is at risk of total collapse ahead of the 2027 general election unless urgent steps are taken to resolve its internal crises.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Suswam described the PDP’s current condition as “critical”, noting that many of its members are already deeply disillusioned and losing hope in the party’s future.
“A lot of people are hanging on, waiting to see the ultimate end of this party,” Suswam said, alluding to a growing sense of resignation among party loyalists.
The PDP has been embroiled in a protracted leadership struggle, particularly over the position of national secretary, which has deepened existing divisions and weakened cohesion within its ranks.
The situation has been further compounded by high-profile defections, most notably those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, both of whom recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) along with several other key party figures.
Suswam said these defections are symptoms of deeper, unresolved problems within the PDP and warned that failure to address them could spell the end of the party as a viable political force.
He revealed that a reconciliation effort is underway, spearheaded by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, aimed at mending internal fractures and restoring confidence among the party’s base.
“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,” he stated.
Suswam likened the PDP’s condition to that of a critically ill patient in the intensive care unit, noting that the party’s survival now hinges on swift and effective intervention.
“Is it in the ICU to some extent? Yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied,” he said, adding that the party’s future depends on whether the reconciliation team can broker peace and chart a clear path forward.
He also acknowledged that while some members remain hopeful, others have essentially given up on the PDP’s prospects ahead of the next general election.
