Suswam slammed PDP’s leadership over a secret pact with Wike, saying ‘We were cheated’

The former Governor of the State of Benue, Gabriel Suswam, has openly criticized the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accused him of damaging internal democracy and transparency by holding a secret meeting with the Federal Capital Minister (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Speaking during the direct appearance at Arise News on Tuesday, Suswam condemned what he described as a “lack of leadership” of the party, which according to him, had deepened the internal crisis that was taking place within the opposition party.

His statement followed the announcement of Wike on Sunday that he withdrew from reconciliation efforts in PDP. Wike blamed his decision regarding the actions of the Governor of State Oyo, Seyi Makinde, and the Governor of the State of Enugu, Peter Mbah, who were both accused of sabotaged peace efforts.

But Suswam believes that the real problem does not lie in the withdrawal of Wike but with the top hierarchy of PDP and its failure to bring the main stakeholders.

“We were cheated,” Suswam said. “If people go to a secret meeting and submit an agreement, and you then call a shared stakeholder without expressing the agreement, you only manipulate the process.”

Also read: Global Seizure for Lithium places Nigeria on the $ 800 million trading track

He accused that Wike had been part of several meetings that were not disclosed, including one in Lagos and another in Abuja at the residence of the former president of the Senate, where the decision was made without a broader consultation.

“How can we talk about unity and reconciliation when the agreement is made in the shadows?” He asked. “Not honorable to make a commitment and then back down or exclude other people who are important in the scheme.”

The former governor also defended Wike’s decision to withdraw from the process, saying that the responsibility was in the party’s leadership to act honorably and transparently. “If you enter an agreement with someone, only honorable to uphold it. I don’t blame Wike,” he said. “This is about leadership failure, lack of sincerity and capacity.”

Suswam, seemed frustrated, underlined that many PDP members, including himself, were stored in darkness. “We are a stakeholder,” he stressed. “We were invited to a meeting led by the current governor, including Governor Bala Mohammed. But no one revealed that there was a previous private involvement with Wike. That was not just a lack of coordination, it was a betrayal of trust.”

Join the conversation

Opinion

Supports Nigeria’s ripples, resistant Journalism Solutions

A balanced and fearful journalism that is driven by data comes with enormous financial costs.

As a media platform, we ask for leadership accountability and will not trade the right to suppress freedom and freedom of speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and ready to uphold journalism solutions, friendly Nigerian ripples cause.

Your support will help ensure that residents and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for community development.

Donation now