Crisis In Benue PDP Intensifies: Calls For Suswam’s Resignation Grow Louder

Crisis In Benue PDP Intensifies: Calls For Suswam’s Resignation Grow Louder

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has intensified as the group known as G14 has advised former governor Senator Gabriel Suswam to resign if he wishes, following his recent moves within the party. G14, a faction formed in 2015, consists of PDP elders from 14 local government areas of the Tiv ethnic bloc in Benue, and Suswam himself has served as co-chairman…….CONTINUE READING

During a party stakeholders meeting in Makurdi earlier in the week, Suswam announced the dissolution of the G14 and suggested forming a new group, composed of caucus members from across the state. This move is believed to be linked to an ongoing power struggle between Suswam and his successor, Samuel Ortom, over control of the party, a conflict that began during ward congresses.

Since stepping down as governor in 2023, Ortom has also taken on the role of G14 co-chairman. In response to Suswam’s announcement, G14 chairman Laha Dzever issued a statement reiterating the group’s status as a voluntary body within the PDP, meant to support the party’s official organs in fostering unity and growth.

Dzever stated that G14, being a collective effort, cannot be dissolved by any single individual, including Suswam. He explained that Suswam could only choose to resign from the group but lacked the authority to disband it. The group’s formation in 2015, following PDP’s losses in the governorship and senatorial elections, was aimed at preventing further disintegration of the party. Suswam had been invited to join the group at that time, and he accepted.

Dzever emphasized that the leadership of G14 naturally shifted to Ortom when he became PDP leader in 2018, and Ortom continues in that role today. The group remains dedicated to rebuilding the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, drawing on its history of revitalizing the party after its losses to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

While acknowledging Suswam’s contributions to the PDP, G14 suggested that his decision to disband the group may have been made in haste, noting that he does not have the authority to make such a move. The group reiterated its commitment to the founding principles of G14 and its ongoing efforts to resolve the internal conflicts plaguing the party.

The statement concluded by calling for calm among party leaders and members, urging them to prioritize unity and dialogue over personal interests. G14 vowed to continue pursuing reconciliation and peace within the party, just as it did when the PDP lost power in 2015.