Gabriel Suswam, the former governor of Benue State, has expressed concern about the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) declining fortunes, pointing to a significant decline in public confidence and internal leadership shortcomings.

Suswam claimed that many stakeholders had turned away from the party due to its incapacity to address its protracted internal crises during an appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday.

“There are numerous underlying issues with PDP that still need to be resolved. As a result, many individuals believe they are no longer with the PDP, and this is due to the party’s leadership failing them,” he stated.

Suswam stressed that the PDP needs to restructure its leadership and run a credible candidate in order to stay relevant and have a chance in the general elections in 2027.

“People no longer have faith in the PDP at all,” he said. “This is a party that has structures across the nation, but it has significantly declined due to poor leadership.”

He also emphasized the necessity for candidates with genuine desire and ability, criticizing the custom of giving the party’s presidential ticket to the highest bidder.

The remarks follow the PDP governors’ recent decision to oppose Atiku Abubakar, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and to avoid forming any coalitions or mergers until the 2027 election.

Atiku’s return to the race has been condemned by PDP BoT member Chief Bode George, who said that his candidacy might signal “the end of the PDP in Nigerian politics.”