Suswam Emerges Top Contender for National Chairmanship as PDP Governors settle for Consensus Candidate
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have agreed to select a consensus candidate for the position of national chairman, with former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam leading the list of contenders.
Wike Rubbishes Former President Jonathan Over Comments On PDP Crisis
Alongside Suswam, another key figure, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is also in the running for the coveted position.
The decision comes as the party seeks to resolve internal divisions and strengthen its leadership ahead of upcoming elections.
Sources within the PDP reveal that the governors have decided to opt for a national chairman from the North Central zone, a move aimed at balancing internal power struggles and ensuring that the new leader is not tied to any faction within the party.
This decision follows growing pressure for unity amid ongoing efforts to address internal disputes.
A PDP insider hinted that ongoing campaigns to replace the current acting national chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, are well underway.
“Between now and Wednesday, the situation will become clearer, but for now, Suswam and Agbo are the strongest candidates,” the source said.
The call for unity comes as the party prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, slated for October 24.
The NEC gathering is seen as a critical moment for resolving the party’s internal issues and charting a course forward. Ex-officio members from all six geopolitical zones have issued a statement urging the party to ensure that the NEC meeting goes ahead as planned.
“We have viewed with concern the dangerous turn of events within the top echelon of our party,” the statement read. “This NEC meeting will provide a platform for aggrieved members to voice their concerns and seek resolutions to ongoing issues.”
Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to overcome its challenges. Speaking at an event celebrating his 60th birthday, Ikpeazu likened the party’s internal crisis to a furnace refining gold, predicting that the PDP would emerge from its difficulties stronger and more united.
While internal disputes are common in political parties, Ikpeazu emphasized that resilience is key. “Not until a party faces problems and overcomes them, you won’t know whether it has the strength to survive,” he said.
With the NEC meeting on the horizon and key decisions about the party’s leadership pending, all eyes are on the PDP’s next moves as it seeks to restore stability and prepare for future political battles.