PDP Faces Existential Crisis Ahead Of 2027 Elections, Warns Senator Gabriel Suswam.
Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has issued a stark warning that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks collapse before the 2027 general elections unless its leadership urgently resolves the party’s deepening internal conflicts. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Suswam described the PDP as being in an “Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” with its survival hinging on swift and effective intervention.
Suswam pinpointed two primary sources of the PDP’s turmoil: a prolonged dispute over the national secretary position and the intensifying feud between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. These unresolved issues, he argued, have left the party teetering on the brink, with growing disillusionment among its members. “There is a lot of discontent within the party, and many are waiting to see how it ends,” Suswam stated, underscoring the critical need for reconciliation.
The former governor expressed cautious optimism about ongoing efforts led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who heads a seven-member committee tasked with reconciling aggrieved party members and preparing for the PDP’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and convention. Suswam stressed that the success of Saraki’s initiative, expected to yield results within the next two weeks, will be pivotal. “Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki will be seen soon,” he said. “For now, I would say that PDP is in ICU. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”
The PDP’s challenges have been compounded by recent developments, including public disputes over the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket and the defection of key figures, such as the former spokesman to ex-Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. According to The Guardian, the party has taken steps to address these issues by appointing Saraki’s committee, which includes Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Peter Mba (Enugu), Senators Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Governor Ikpeazu. The committee’s mandate is to foster unity and streamline preparations for the NEC meeting and the party’s convention in August.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, speaking after a closed-door meeting with PDP governors, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to resolving its internal rifts. He emphasised that the committee’s work aims to ensure a cohesive approach, promoting stability ahead of the 2027 elections. “Our goal is to hold a smooth NEC and convention, uniting all members to face the challenges ahead,” Mohammed said.
However, Suswam’s warning has resonated widely, with analysts and party faithful expressing concern over the PDP’s future. Posts on X reflect the unease, with one user noting, “The PDP’s implosion could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape if not addressed.” As Nigeria’s main opposition party, the PDP’s ability to navigate this crisis will be crucial not only for its survival but also for maintaining a competitive democratic process.
With the clock ticking, all eyes are on Saraki’s committee to deliver the “proper medicine” Suswam believes can save the PDP. The next few weeks will determine whether the party can emerge from its ICU and reclaim its position as a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
