Mass defections, leadership lapses threaten PDP’s survival — Suswam
…As three PDP Senators defect to APC after meeting with Tinubu, Ganduje
…Senate now 68-strong for APC after lawmakers detection to ruling party
The internal crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened on Tuesday, with former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam describing the party as critically endangered and at risk of disintegration unless urgent reconciliation efforts are taken seriously.
Suswam’s remarks came in the wake of a fresh wave of defections involving three PDP senators from Kebbi State, who formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
In an interview with ARISE News, Suswam drew a stark analogy, comparing the PDP’s current situation to that of a patient in an Intensive Care Unit.
“At the moment, I’d say the PDP is hospitalised. It’s in the ICU, to a certain degree. Can it be revived? Yes, but only if the right treatment is administered,” he said.
Suswam expressed disappointment at the party’s sluggish response to its worsening internal divisions.
“It took far too long for the PDP to convene a meeting to address these issues. People are asking, and rightly so, whether the leadership is truly committed to resolving this. I’ve asked myself the same question. Is the PDP serious about getting back on track? Frankly, I don’t think we’ve shown that seriousness,” he stated.
He pointed to the reconciliation effort led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki as the party’s last viable chance at recovery, adding that the outcome remains uncertain.
“This final push, under Senator Saraki’s leadership, will determine whether the party survives. If we fail to fix things now, then we may not see the PDP as we currently know it anymore,” Suswam remarked.
Despite Saraki’s track record for leadership and credibility, Suswam voiced concerns over the party’s commitment to meaningful dialogue and reform. He also pointed to the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as pivotal to the PDP’s future.
“The NEC meeting is a turning point. But my faith in it is limited, given that it’s been postponed up to five times already. If it does eventually hold, it will either help restore the PDP or deepen its crisis. I can only hope that Senator Saraki’s efforts produce tangible results,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PDP suffered a major setback on Tuesday, as Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) officially defected to the APC. Their departure was formally announced during a Senate plenary session by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
The senators’ move followed a closed-door meeting last Friday with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. Also present were APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, and Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu. The meeting reportedly finalised the lawmakers’ shift to the APC.
In his resignation letter, Senator Aliero cited ideological drift, poor internal cohesion, and a lack of direction within the PDP.
“In recent months, it has become painfully evident that the PDP has lost touch with the aspirations of the very people it aims to represent. Deep internal divisions, absence of a coherent ideological framework, and failure to articulate a credible agenda have made it impossible for people like me to pursue the reforms our constituents deserve,” Aliero wrote.
He praised the APC’s renewed policy direction, stating: “I am crossing over not for personal benefit, but because I believe the APC currently offers a more effective platform to serve my people and advance progressive governance. I want to move Nigeria forward.”
Senator Abdullahi referred to his defection as a return to familiar ground, stating that past disagreements that had led to his departure from the APC in 2022 had been resolved.
“I’m pleased to note that the issues from 2022 have been amicably addressed by the current governor. With that resolved, I see no reason not to return, particularly as I was instrumental in the formation of the APC,” he said.
Senator Maidoki echoed similar sentiments, blaming his departure on the PDP’s prolonged dysfunction and aligning himself with the APC’s developmental outlook.
“My decision stems from the protracted internal strife within the PDP and my belief that the APC’s vision is more in tune with my political goals. It will allow me to more fully contribute to the renewed hope agenda for the benefit of my senatorial district and the nation,” he said.
With these latest defections, the APC has increased its presence in the Senate to 68 out of 109 seats, strengthening its legislative majority and further undermining the PDP’s influence within the National Assembly.
Once the dominant force in Nigerian politics for 16 uninterrupted years, the PDP continues to grapple with mounting internal disputes and dwindling public confidence.
