Senator Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue, has blamed the crises currently rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the activities of moles planted by the party’s enemies to destroy it.

“There are many moles and betrayers in the party; they’re planted to kill the party,” said Mr Suswam in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.

He added, “What PDP wants now is proper leadership, and once we have the right leaders, the party will rise again. God willing, PDP will bounce back.”

The senator recalled that the party was in power at the national level for 16 years, adding that it derailed when some people began to assume the place of untouchable ”lords.”

“Such arrogance affected the psyche of the Nigerians, and they resisted the arrogance and started looking for alternatives.

”They were not happy, and internal crises set in within the party, and that is how PDP lost out,” he said.

Mr Suswam, aspiring to be the party’s national chairman, said the PDP has a clear chance of reclaiming power.

“The All Progressive Congress (APC) has been in power for about nine years now, and Nigerians believe PDP did well despite its shortcomings.

“There are many people waiting for the PDP to organise itself.

“Power is waiting for PDP; people love PDP. We only need to think together; we have to reason together,” he said.

Mr Suswam particularly lamented the rate at which some high-profile members of the PDP, like former Imo governor Emeka Ihedioha, were leaving the party.

Mr Suswam, who spent eight years in the House of Representatives and another eight as governor before moving to the Senate, explained why he remains the best man to lead the PDP.

“Those calling on me to take up the job say I am the ideal man because I am not controversial.

“I know the party in and out; I know the characters. I also believe that PDP needs somebody who can interact with all the major stakeholders.

“Getting them to discuss requires someone they can trust. I am close to key leaders like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; it won’t be difficult for me to bring them together to a roundtable,” he said.

He also spoke on how Nigeria had faired under democratic governance.

“Obasanjo gave us a solid base, but mediocrity has taken over, with religion and ethnicity becoming key factors in governance.

“But we have failed to enthrone democracy in the states as the ruling parties there take all the seats, leaving nothing for the opposition.

“For democracy to benefit Nigerians, leaders must place public interest above selfishness and greed,” Mr Suswam said. 

(NAN)