Senator Gabriel Suswam, former Governor of Benue State, has criticized the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pinpointing Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and current PDP Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum as the primary obstacles facing the party amid its ongoing crisis.
In an interview on Arise TV, Suswam expressed that the party’s troubles stem from a failure in leadership, particularly highlighting the role of Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum. He stated that Mohammed’s inability to effectively guide the party has left a significant leadership vacuum.
“Damagum is the biggest problem we have in the party. Bala Mohammed, as the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, is supposed to be guiding him,” Suswam remarked. “He is not fulfilling his responsibilities, and that is why we find ourselves in this predicament. In many ways, Bala has become the de facto leader of the PDP, as governors are the primary financial backers of the party.”
Suswam further criticized the party’s leadership for failing to uphold agreements made during meetings with influential party members, including Nyesome Wike. He described this failure as a breach of trust that has exacerbated the party’s internal conflicts.
“It is disappointing that our leaders would enter into agreements they know other stakeholders would not adhere to,” he said. “If Bala and Damagum had executed their roles properly, we wouldn’t be facing these issues.”
The former governor emphasized the urgent need for effective leadership within the PDP, stating, “Without strong leadership, a party is destined for failure. The current situation is a clear indication of the leadership crisis within the PDP.”
Suswam also expressed support for Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s decision to leave the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing Eno’s concerns about party integrity and electoral fairness. “He is making a valid point. He doesn’t want to be in a party where his election victory could be undermined on technical grounds,” Suswam noted. “I completely agree with his decision.”
As the PDP grapples with its internal challenges, Suswam’s remarks underscore the critical need for cohesive leadership and accountability to restore the party’s integrity and effectiveness.
