Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdí
A former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam and Minister of Police Affairs, Humphrey Abah, have intensified their consultations over their aspiration for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Both of them are from Benue State, in the North Central zone, the same state where the embattled former national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, hails from
It is expected the PDP National Executive commences (NEC) will announce a replacement for Ayu, who was suspended last year by his ward in Gboko in Benue State
While THISDAY learnt that Suswam had taken his consultations to former presidents and vice presidents to solicit their supports for the PDP prime job, Abba has also met with North-Central PDP in a bid to gain advantage for the position.
In their bid to secure the support of the support of party officials in their zone, Suswam and Abah met with critical stakeholders and leaders of the zone.
According to sources present at the meetings, “Recognising the importance of grassroots mobilisation and inclusive leadership, Suswam assured party leaders and stakeholders of his commitment in ensuring that every member’s voice is heard and valued, just as he emphasised on the the need for transparent and accountable governance.”
The national chairmanship hopeful assured stakeholders that he would be guided by the fundamental principles of accountability and transparency if elected as the next PDP National Chairman.”
The former minister expressed gratitude for the warm reception and robust engagement with members of the North-Central party executives and reiterated his dedication to serving the PDP and the nation with integrity, competence, and unwavering determination.
If the PDP NEC approved the change of leadership, the acting national chairman, Amb Iliya Damagum, would revert to his former position of the deputy national chairman (North)
However, it was learnt that the odds were in favour of Suswam as his position as governor of Benue State was an added advantage in managing people, coupled with his experience in the House when he was the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on House services.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Benue PDP stakeholders have endorsed Suswam as the next national chairman of the PDP.
Convener of the meeting, Dr Paul Ubwa, who was one of the governorship aspirants of the party during the 2023 general election, explained that the meeting was to endorse Suswam to replace Ayu, whose tenure was truncated rocover the lost glory of the party.
Speaking at the Hallday yesterday in Makurdi, he said, “We are here to lend our support and endorsed Senator Suswam as the national chairman of PDP.
“This is because the embattled National Chairman is from the North Central and according to the PDP constitution, if the a tenure of a person is truncated along the way, it should be giving to the same zone to continue there tenure.”
