Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, on Wednesday, dismissed claims that former governor and Senator, Gabriel Suswam, resigned from the party.
PDP insisted that Suswam had already ceased to be a member of the party long before the purported resignation letter surfaced.
PDP made this position known in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, in reaction to a letter circulating on social media and dated February 4, 2026, which was purportedly authored by Suswam and in which he claimed to have resigned his PDP membership.
PDP said the document was never formally communicated through recognised party channels and only came to public attention online.
While acknowledging Suswam’s years of service to the PDP as a member of the House of Representatives, governor of Benue State, and senator, the party said it was necessary to clarify the public record.
According to the PDP, Suswam had effectively left the party several months ago, having openly aligned himself with a political coalition outside the PDP.
PDP said Suswam’s involvement with the coalition was evident through his attendance at meetings, participation in its public unveiling in Benue State, and the donation of a personal property for use as its secretariat, after the PDP was vacated from the same premises.
The party further cited Section 8 of the PDP Constitution, which provides that any member who fails to pay membership subscription for twelve consecutive months automatically ceases to be a member.
It said Suswam fell within this category and was consequently expelled during the period of his open association with the African Democratic Congress.
“By implication, one cannot resign from a party of which one is no longer a member,” the statement said.
Reacting to Suswam’s claim that internal crises informed his decision, the PDP said the justification did not reflect current realities, noting that over 90 per cent of the party’s internal disputes at national, zonal, and state levels had been resolved through reconciliation efforts, leadership adjustments, and judicial pronouncements.
The party also alleged that many of the challenges referenced in the letter were largely precipitated by Suswam himself, adding that since his departure, the PDP in Benue State has enjoyed renewed unity and coordination under the leadership of former governor Samuel Ortom and the State Working Committee led by Rt. Hon. Ezekiel A. Adaji.
The PDP pointed to a recent stakeholders’ meeting convened by Ortom, which it said was well attended and featured leaders across the state, including individuals previously regarded as Suswam’s loyalists, who publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the party.
Despite its position, the PDP said it respects Suswam’s right to pursue any political path of his choosing and bears him no ill will.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal harmony and strengthening its structures, assuring members and supporters that the PDP in Benue State remains stable, cohesive, and focused on offering a credible alternative to the people.
