Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has confirmed he is still vying to become the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He made this announcement during an emergency stakeholders meeting held in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Thursday.
This meeting gathered key party members to discuss the future of the PDP and the ongoing leadership challenges it faces.
Suswam emphasized the importance of regional representation within the party, stating that it is time for the North Central region to take over the position previously held by Iyochia Ayu, the former national chairman.
He argued that this transition aligns with the party’s constitution and reflects the need for balanced leadership within the PDP.
The former governor revealed that he has garnered substantial support from party members across the state. He expressed confidence that the national leaders of the PDP will select the new chairman based on merit rather than through an election. He believes this approach will ensure the party chooses someone capable of uniting its members and moving it forward.
Addressing concerns about internal strife within the party, Suswam dismissed reports of a crisis in Benue. He accused certain individuals of manipulating the party for their own interests, asserting that these so-called “mischief makers” are trying to create divisions within the ranks.
He stressed that their actions have negatively impacted the party’s performance, particularly in the recent governorship election.
Reflecting on the 2023 election results, Suswam stated that the PDP could have emerged victorious if not for these disruptive actions.
He argued that their desire for control has led to significant losses for the party. He called on members to remain vigilant against such tactics. “Some people want to hoodwink us because they want to control the entire party structures in the state,” he said.
Suswam further emphasized the importance of unity and resilience within the party. He urged members to focus on building a stronger foundation instead of allowing short-term victories by others to dictate the party’s future. “What they are enjoying is a short-term victory, as you cannot build anything on nothing,” he warned.
To reinforce his point, Suswam highlighted that the only legitimate outcome from the recent party activities is the ward congress conducted in 15 local government areas. He believes this congress is critical for ensuring that the party can regroup and strategize effectively for future elections.
As Suswam continues his campaign for the national chairmanship, he aims to rally support and promote a vision of a united and focused PDP. His leadership experience and commitment to party principles could play a crucial role in shaping the party’s direction as it navigates these challenging times.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for both Suswam and the PDP as they work to solidify their standing ahead of future electoral contests.
