“I’m Still in the Race for PDP Chairmanship” – Suswam

Senator Gabriel Suswam, a leading contender for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has confirmed his continued pursuit of the party’s top leadership role. Speaking during an emergency meeting with party stakeholders in Makurdi on Thursday, Suswam asserted that the North Central region, in line with the party’s constitution, has the right to fill the vacant chairmanship position following the exit of Dr. Iyochia Ayu.

Suswam revealed that following wide consultations across the country and endorsement by the Benue State chapter of the party, he is confident in his candidacy. He clarified that the final decision on who will assume the chairmanship rests with the party’s national leadership, adding that the process will not be determined through an election.

The former Benue governor also raised concerns about internal discord within the party, accusing certain members of deliberately undermining the PDP’s unity. He criticized actions taken by some individuals during recent state congresses, labeling their behavior as “the height of rascality.”

“Some people are trying to control the entire party structure in the state, and their actions contributed to our defeat in the last polls. We must stand firm and not allow them to sabotage the party again,” Suswam said, noting that genuine ward congresses were conducted in only 15 out of 23 local government areas in Benue State.

Additionally, Suswam addressed rumors that he had evicted the party from its current office, a property he owns. He dispelled the claims, assuring stakeholders that the PDP could continue to use the facility until they acquire their own office space.

Chief Margaret Ichen, a member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, echoed Suswam’s concerns, pointing to divisions even within the party’s national secretariat. She blamed individuals from Kwande Local Government Area for fueling the crisis.

Former state party chairman, Sir John Ngbede, also supported Suswam, revealing that he had been pressured to manipulate the ward congress results in 15 local governments but refused to comply. Ngbede added that the national representative overseeing the congresses had disappeared after claiming illness, further complicating the process.