Suswam: PDP is in ICU — it may not survive if Saraki’s reconciliation team fails

Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue state, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in danger of total collapse ahead of the 2027 general election if its leaders fail to take decisive steps to address its internal crisis.

Speaking on ‘The Morning Show’ on Arise TV on Tuesday, Suswam described the state of the PDP as ”critical”, warning that many party members are already “disillusioned”.

“A lot of people are hanging on, waiting to see the ultimate end of this party,” he said.

The PDP has been locked in a leadership tussle over the position of national secretary, a situation that has worsened existing divisions.

The party also suffered a major setback after Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta state, and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside other party leaders.

Suswam said the defections point to deeper issues within the PDP that, if unresolved, could lead to its downfall.

He said efforts are being made to revive the party through a reconciliation initiative led by Bukola Saraki, the former senate president.

“Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki will be seen in the next two weeks,” he said.

“For now, I would say that PDP—is it in the hospital? Yes. Is it in the ICU to some extent? Yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”

He said comparing the PDP to a patient in the intensive care unit means the party’s chances of survival are uncertain and depend on urgent intervention.

“If Saraki’s team fails, the party may not survive,” he said.

Suswam added that while some members are still hopeful, others have already written off the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

On Monday, Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, said the PDP must reorganise or face imminent collapse.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa state, urged PDP governors to take ownership of the party’s revival and show greater commitment to its restoration.