Senator Gabriel Suswam, the senator representing Benue Northeast, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is united under one leadership and has no factions.
News About Nigeria reports that Suswam, a former Benue State governor, and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, a former Deputy National Secretary of the PDP, are vying for the position of PDP National Chairman.
Reacting to rumours of a split within the party, Suswam said the party is united under the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar.
Recent speculations hinted at factions led by Atiku and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
However, while speaking to the press, Suswam clarified, saying, “I don’t think there are camps in PDP. We have just one PDP and all we are saying is that let us have strong leadership.
“Wike is the Minister of FCT and he is working with the president, I don’t think he has a camp. Atiku remains the leader of our party.
“By being the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku is automatically the leader of the party, whom every member should look up to.”
Ahead of the party’s NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 18, it has been revealed that Wike’s faction supports the continuation of Umar Damagum, who is currently the party’s acting National Chairman.
However, Atiku’s camp is backing Suswam.
Addressing the power dynamics prior to the Thursday NEC meeting, a prominent figure within the party from the North Central region said, “We are aware that our zone is receiving the necessary support from Atiku. Many stakeholders from within and outside the zone, including Atiku, are backing Suswam. Consultations are ongoing, and the North Central will ensure that it nominates Ayu’s replacement.”
When reached for comment, Paul Ibe, spokesperson for Atiku, said he was unaware of the former Vice President’s endorsement of Suswam.
