PDP on life support, urgent reforms needed to survive – Suswam

Former Governor of Benue State and Senator, Gabriel Suswam, has expressed deep concern over the current state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the party is in critical condition and risks disintegration unless urgent reforms are implemented.

Speaking during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television, Suswam likened the PDP’s situation to that of a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), citing mass defections and internal discontent as major threats to the party’s survival.

“For now, I would say PDP is in the hospital yes, in the ICU to some extent,” he said. “Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”

He emphasized that the party’s chances of recovery are slim unless sincere and swift reconciliation efforts are made.

“It is a 50-50 situation. This last effort headed by Senator Saraki—if it fails—then it’s likely we won’t have the PDP as we know it anymore. That would be unfortunate,” Suswam stated.

The Senator criticized the party leadership for delaying efforts to resolve internal crises and reconcile aggrieved members, noting that such inaction reflects poorly on those at the helm.

“For an opposition party to suffer such hemorrhaging and only just be convening a reconciliation meeting tells a lot. Many members are hanging on, waiting to decide their next move,” he said.

Despite the bleak outlook, Suswam expressed hope in the reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki and urged party stakeholders to support the initiative.

“A lot of people are waiting to see if there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The outcome of Senator Saraki’s efforts will become clear in the next two weeks,” he added.