The former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has likened the current state of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to being in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with its survival hinging on the success of the newly constituted reconciliation efforts spearheaded by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Suswam painted a grim picture of the situation, describing the party as “very sick” and questioning whether the PDP can recover in time to face the next national elections.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, he said, “For now, I would say that PDP, yes, is in the hospital. It’s in the ICU to some extent, yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”
He added, “It’s a 50-50 situation. This last effort, which is headed by Senator Saraki, if we are unable to address the issue, then of course it’s likely that you might not have PDP the way you have it now.”
PDP’s internal rifts, particularly the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, have contributed to the party’s struggles since the 2023 elections. The fractures have led to mass defections, with many questioning whether the party is truly serious about addressing its issues.
Saraki’s task, Suswam notes, is monumental, as he works to reconcile deeply aggrieved party members. Despite Saraki’s integrity and reputation for leadership, Suswam acknowledges that winning over skeptical members will be a significant challenge.
“Senator Saraki is a very distinguished Nigerian. Of course, when it comes to character and integrity, you can count on him. And so I believe that people will listen to him. Whether some of them will believe him is a different kettle of fish. But then, he has an arduous task of reconciling people who are genuinely aggrieved. He has started efforts and I believe that will yield results.”
Suswam also noted that the delay by the PDP in convening meetings to address these issues, speaks volumes about the party leadership’s lack of urgency. “It took PDP so long to convene a meeting to talk about these issues. And so people are asking the question, are these people serious? And I asked that question myself. PDP as a party, are we serious? I don’t think that we’re that serious.”
Regarding the upcoming NEC meeting, Suswam noted, “NEC of the party is a make or mar NEC. I would say that I don’t have much confidence in the NEC holding because it has been postponed for up to five times. And if the NEC holds, this NEC will make or mar PDP. For now, let’s hope that the efforts of this great Nigerian Senator Saraki will yield some result.”