Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a political development reshaping the landscape of Nigeria’s North‑Central region, former Benue State governor and two‑term senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The announcement, made on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, marks a significant shift in a career that has spanned legislative and executive roles in Nigeria’s political arena, though the exact implications for his future party alignment remain subject to evolving reports and interpretation of unfolding events.
Suswam’s resignation from the PDP was conveyed in a letter dated the same day and addressed to the party leadership in Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. In the letter, the seasoned politician cited persistent and unresolved internal conflicts within the opposition party as the principal reason for his departure. According to his statement, the PDP, once regarded as a bastion of internal democracy and a credible opposition, has become mired in disputes over leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, with no clear pathway to resolution despite repeated reconciliation efforts. This, he said, made continued membership incompatible with his personal convictions and political philosophy.
Suswam expressed gratitude for the platform the PDP provided throughout his public service career, acknowledging that it facilitated his roles as a member of the House of Representatives, governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015, and senator representing the Benue North‑East Senatorial District. Yet, he concluded that the party’s current trajectory has diverged from the ideals that once defined it, making step‑aside an “honourable and necessary” decision. In his resignation, he wished the PDP well should it find the leadership cohesion required to resolve its internal contradictions.
The resignation has generated immediate political speculation, particularly surrounding Suswam’s next political destination. Some news outlets are reporting that the exit paves the way for his integration into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria and the political home of Benue State Governor Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia. Reports indicate that Governor Alia has been actively courting political heavyweights and stakeholders across the state in recent months as part of a broader strategy of political realignment and consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections. This strategy has featured events described as “pre‑decamping” dinners aimed at encouraging defections from opposition parties to strengthen the APC’s base in Benue.
However, prior reports and statements from Suswam himself complicated earlier defection narratives. In late 2025, amid speculation that he would formally leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a party he aligned with after falling out with the PDP and which he helped to build as a coalition platform — Suswam publicly denied plans to defect to the APC. His media aides at the time called such reports “baseless” and insisted that his attendance at social events hosted by Governor Alia did not equate to political realignment. The former governor reiterated his commitment to the ADC, emphasizing his methodological approach and respect for internal consultation with loyalists and supporters before any major political move.
Despite those denials, speculation about a potential shift to the APC persisted. Reports from earlier in 2025 suggested Suswam had at some point indicated his intention to leave the PDP and join the ruling party, framing the decision as in the interest of the state and as part of broader cooperation with federal and state leadership structures. Whether those indications ultimately crystallize into a formal APC membership following his resignation remains a developing aspect of this story.
Suswam’s exit adds to a wider narrative of realignment within Nigerian politics, particularly within the opposition ranks. The PDP has faced intense internal struggles since the 2023 general elections, with leadership disputes and factional divisions hampering its cohesion and strategy. Leaders within the party have expressed frustration at prolonged crises and the inability to present a united front ahead of upcoming electoral contests. These tensions have manifested in public criticism from prominent party figures, including Suswam himself, who previously lamented that confidence in the party had waned among Nigerians.
Benue State, in particular, has been a focal point of political churn. Governor Alia, who succeeded Samuel Ortom in 2023, has sought to consolidate his administration’s support base by reaching across party lines to bring experienced political figures into the APC fold. Analysts see these efforts as part of preparations for the 2027 elections, where control of state and federal legislative seats will be heavily contested. Alia’s strategy reflects a broader trend within Nigeria where ruling parties aim to absorb influential opposition figures to strengthen electoral prospects and governance stability.
Political observers note that the departure of a figure of Suswam’s stature from the PDP underscores the challenges facing opposition parties in sustaining unity and retaining seasoned leaders. His long tenure in public office and extensive network within Benue and national politics make his moves significant for both local power dynamics and national electoral calculus. Should he officially align with the APC, it would be interpreted as a substantive boost for Governor Alia’s political project and could influence party strategies across the North‑Central region.
Within the PDP, reactions to Suswam’s resignation are likely to be mixed. For some, his exit could be seen as an opportunity to advance internal reforms and rally remaining leaders around a revitalized platform. For others, it may deepen concerns about the party’s ability to remain a viable opposition force capable of challenging the ruling APC’s dominance, especially if high‑profile figures continue to depart.
As of this report, confirmations regarding Suswam’s formal membership in the APC remain subject to official announcements from both his camp and the party. Political stakeholders across Nigeria will be watching subsequent statements and events closely in the coming days and weeks, particularly as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the critical 2027 election cycle.
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