Gabriel Suswam React to PDP Chairmanship Race As Not a Do-Or-Die Matter
Former Benue State Governor and aspirant for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Gabriel Suswam, has emphasized that the upcoming party election is not a do-or-die affair for him.
Speaking at the party’s expanded caucus meeting held at their secretariat on Makurdi/Otukpo road on Monday, Suswam acknowledged the various interests in the race but clarified that he is not approaching the election with an all-or-nothing mindset.
“My focus is not solely on securing the chairmanship but on strengthening the party to be a formidable force in future elections,” Suswam stated. “If I win, great. If not, I will move on. Our goal is to lift the party from its current state to a more robust position.”
The former governor also called for inclusivity as the party prepares for its ward and state congresses. He urged party members to unite, emphasizing the importance of cohesion to avoid the pain of electoral defeat experienced in the past.
Benue State’s immediate past governor, Ortom, highlighted the divisions within the party since the last general elections and urged members to foster inclusivity. “We have felt the pain of loss and we must avoid it. A conflict reconciliation mechanism is in place to address issues. We must unite and not undermine anyone. The rejected stone will become the cornerstone,” Ortom said.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, echoed the call for unity and urged the PDP to capitalize on the ruling APC’s mistakes to reclaim the state. “Benue is currently under a one-man rule. We need unity to bring the state back under PDP control,” Moro emphasized.
State party chairman, John Ngbede, announced that the party will launch an extensive awareness campaign for the upcoming local government election and ward/state congresses. Ngbede also mentioned plans for registering new members as per the party’s constitution, with congresses starting on June 29th. The sale of nomination forms will begin soon, with the chairmanship position costing N1 million, the state deputy chairman and state secretary positions at N750,000, and other positions at N500,000.
Ngbede stressed that the process will be transparent, with no name compilations in private homes or interference from party leaders. For the local government election on July 6, 2024, chairmanship aspirants’ forms will cost N150,000, and councilorship forms will cost N75,000.
He urged council area leaders to avoid imposing candidates and instead consult with all stakeholders to select the best candidates.
