Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has publicly declared that the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has failed in his leadership role, further exposing the deepening crisis within Nigeria's main opposition party.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Wednesday, Suswam did not mince words in his assessment of the party's current leadership. "The acting chairman of the party has failed us, let's call a spade a spade," he stated.

The former governor specifically criticized Damagum for allegedly reneging on an agreement with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, suggesting this has contributed to the party's internal turmoil.

When asked what he would have done differently if given the opportunity to lead, Suswam responded, "I would have done far better because I wouldn't engage in an agreement with the Minister of the FCT and reneged on it. I will engage in agreement in consultation with stakeholders."

Painting a dire picture of the party's current state, Suswam described the PDP as being in an "intensive care unit," though he expressed cautious optimism that recovery is possible. "People have survived from the ICU. I believe that if the right thing is done, which I doubt [will happen]," he added.

The former governor's comments highlight the growing lack of confidence in the party's leadership, as he claimed, "Most people no longer have confidence in the leadership of the party."

This public criticism comes amid ongoing factional disputes within the PDP, which has struggled to present a united front since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. The relationship between Wike, who now serves in President Tinubu's cabinet, and the PDP leadership has been particularly contentious.

Damagum has been serving in an acting capacity following the suspension of the elected National Chairman, and his leadership has been marked by internal conflicts and allegations of divided loyalties.

The PDP has yet to issue an official response to Suswam's comments, which are likely to further intensify debates about the party's future direction and leadership.