Former Governor of Benue State and serving Senator, Gabriel Suswam, has issued a stern warning about the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cautioning that the main opposition party risks collapse before the 2027 general elections if urgent steps are not taken to resolve its lingering internal crises.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, Suswam painted a grim picture of the party’s current state, likening the PDP to a patient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with its survival hanging in the balance.
“A lot of people are hanging on, waiting to see the ultimate end of this party. Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki, that will be seen in the next two weeks.
“For now, I would say that PDP, is it in the hospital? Yes. Is it in the ICU to some extent? Yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied,” he said.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal turmoil for several months, with disputes over key leadership positions further weakening the party’s cohesion.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the party’s National Secretary position has divided stakeholders and heightened tensions within the party ranks.
Adding to the crisis is the protracted political conflict between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
The rift between the two powerful figures has deepened factionalism within the PDP, particularly in Rivers State, a strategic stronghold for the party.
Suswam expressed concern that the inability of the party’s leadership to effectively manage these disputes could result in irreversible damage, ultimately leading to the PDP’s demise.
In a bid to salvage the situation, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has been given the mandate which involves some PDP governors and former governors in reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving the internal wrangling and repositioning the party for future electoral contests.
Suswam highlighted the significance of this intervention, suggesting that the next two weeks would be critical in determining whether the PDP can overcome its challenges and regain stability.
“The PDP is currently in a very delicate state. If the Saraki-led reconciliation efforts fail, the party might cease to exist as a formidable political force before the 2027 elections,” Suswam warned.
The former governor further revealed that a significant number of party members are disenchanted and are merely observing the unfolding events, with some anticipating the party’s collapse.
He stressed that the PDP’s survival is still possible but depends on deliberate and sincere efforts by its leadership to resolve the crises and unify the party.
Suswam emphasized that likening the party’s situation to an ICU patient suggests a 50–50 survival chance. However, he maintained that the PDP could still be rescued if “the right medicine” — which he defined as genuine reconciliation and strategic leadership — is applied immediately.
The PDP, once Nigeria’s ruling party for 16 years (1999–2015), has struggled to regain power at the national level since losing the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.
Internal divisions, leadership tussles, and a series of defections have further weakened the party’s electoral prospects.
