The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has suspended Gabriel Suswam, a former governor of the state, over allegations of insubordination and anti-party activities. The suspension was announced on Thursday by Bemgba Iortyom, the Benue PDP spokesperson.
Alongside Suswam, four other prominent members were also suspended: Terngu Tsegba, a former speaker of the Benue House of Assembly; Richard Gbande, a former federal lawmaker; Terseer Tsumba, another former speaker; and Nicholas Ada, a professor. Additionally, the local government party chairmen of Apa, Gboko, Gwer-East, Katsina-Ala, Konshisha, Logo, Otukpo, and Ukum were suspended.
According to the statement, the affected individuals were summoned by the party on August 7, 2024, to appear before the State Working Committee (SWC) to address allegations against them. These allegations include sponsoring the publication of internal party disputes, instigating court litigations against the party without utilizing internal dispute resolution mechanisms, and other actions deemed detrimental to the party’s interests.
In particular, Senator Suswam was accused of acting as a spokesperson and errand runner for APC’s governor Hyacinth Alia. The PDP noted that despite the ongoing legal challenge by PDP governorship candidate Engr. Titus Uba, Suswam publicly supported Governor Alia, citing his speech at the burial of the late Akua Aper Aku as an example.
The suspended members failed to appear before the SWC when summoned, and instead, some publicly criticized the party’s leadership. This action was deemed a violation of Section 58 of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017).
As a result, the suspended members have been barred from the party for one month and are required to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee. The date, venue, and time for their appearance will be communicated to them.
Bemgba Iortyom urged all party members to remain law-abiding and to support the party’s leadership as it navigates these challenges.
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