Suswam raises alarm over PDP’s future, warns party may collapse before 2027

As internal divisions continue to plague the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Benue State Governor and serving Senator, Gabriel Suswam, has issued a stark warning that the party risks disintegration ahead of the 2027 general elections if decisive and sincere reconciliation efforts are not urgently pursued.

In a candid interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Suswam offered a grim diagnosis of the PDP’s current state, comparing the once-dominant political force to a patient on life support.

“A lot of people are hanging on, waiting to see the ultimate end of this party,” Suswam stated. “Is the PDP in the hospital? Yes. Is it in the ICU? To some extent, yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes — but only if the proper medicine is applied.”

The PDP, which once held sway as Nigeria’s ruling party, is now entangled in a series of internal crises. Chief among these are leadership disputes, such as the contentious battle over the position of National Secretary, and a damaging rift involving Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

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This feud has caused significant instability within the party, exacerbating its identity crisis and weakening its cohesion at a critical time.

Suswam emphasized that while the situation appears dire, there is still a narrow opportunity for redemption.

He highlighted the ongoing intervention spearheaded by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, in collaboration with serving PDP governors and former state leaders, as the last glimmer of hope.

However, the Senator also warned of growing disillusionment within the party, noting that some members seem more inclined to witness the PDP’s demise than to rally for its recovery.

“Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied,” Suswam repeated, underscoring that the next two weeks will be critical. According to him, the success or failure of Saraki’s peace initiative will determine whether the PDP can regroup and mount a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 elections — or fade into political obscurity.

The party, which is still grappling with the fallout of the 2023 elections, faces an uphill battle to restore unity, rebuild public trust, and redefine its role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.