According to Vanguard, Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has formally declared his intention to vie for the national chairmanship position of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Asserting his qualifications and leadership capabilities, Suswam aims to fill the vacancy left by Senator Iyorcha Ayu, who was ousted due to a court ruling. At a press briefing in Abuja, Suswam emphasized his extensive political background, having served as a two-term governor, senator, and member of the House of Representatives.
With the chairmanship position earmarked for the North Central region, particularly Benue State, Suswam highlights his alignment with the party's zoning strategy. He advocates for unity within the PDP, dismissing factionalism and emphasizing the need for cohesive leadership. Referring to past governors as "Ex G5," Suswam positions himself as a unifying force capable of navigating the party through its current challenges.
Suswam pledges to leverage his experience to revitalize the PDP, positioning it as a formidable opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). With the party's fate to be decided at an upcoming meeting in Abuja, Suswam's bid signals a pivotal moment for the PDP as it seeks to reclaim political prominence and offer a viable alternative to Nigeria's socio-economic woes.
He said: “I don’t think there is camps in PDP and we have one PDP.
I don’t think Wike has a camp. Atiku was our presidential candidate and automatically the leader of the party.
“I don’t think that G5 exists since they are no longer governors but ex-governors. It can now be referred to Ex G5,” the former governor said.
Suswam said he would use his vast political experience to resolve the challenges of PDP and reposition it as a strong and feared opposition party in Nigeria to save the country from the current economic and financial crises induced by the APC.
“We need a party to offer a better alternative to what we are facing in Nigeria today,” Suswam said.
It will be recalled that the highest body of the PDP will meet in Abuja on Thursday this week to decide on the chairmanship position of the party.