PRESS COMMUNIQUE
Houston, Texas, USA
October 15, 2024
Civic Engagement Series – Town Hall with Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam and Endorsement for National Chairmanship
On September 29, 2024, Diasporans for PDP, in collaboration with We Stand with PDP National Orientation Platform, hosted the flagship Civic Engagement Series, a virtual town hall that brought together members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Nigeria and the diaspora. The session featured His Excellency, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, former Governor of Benue State and former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who engaged directly with party members on various pressing issues facing the PDP and Nigeria.
During the session, Senator Suswam addressed critical topics such as youth and women’s inclusion in governance, agricultural reforms, and national security. He advocated for policies that promote gender equality in leadership roles, stressed the need for agricultural transformation to leverage Nigeria’s rich resources, and proposed robust strategies to tackle insecurity, which he identified as key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential. His responses also demonstrated his readiness to lead the PDP with transparency, discipline, and a focus on unity, offering a clear path toward party revitalization and national progress.
In recognition of Senator Suswam’s leadership qualities, Diasporans for PDP and We Stand with PDP National Orientation Platform have unanimously endorsed him for the position of the Substantive National Chairman of the PDP, in accordance with Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended). This section mandates that the replacement for Senator Iyorchia Ayu must come from North Central and specifically Benue State, reinforcing our commitment to the principles of equity, justice, and fairness—the founding values of our party. Senator Suswam’s extensive experience in governance, along with his proven dedication to party unity and national development, makes him the ideal candidate to complete Senator Ayu’s tenure as National Chairman.
Furthermore, Diasporans for PDP fully supports the Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC). The recent action taken by the NWC regarding the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP is crucial to the ongoing efforts to Rescue, Rebuild, Restore, Rebrand, and Reposition the PDP. The NWC's decision, announced on October 11, 2024, comes after the suspension of Amb. Illiya Damagum as Acting National Chairman. Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed's appointment is in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), and Diasporans for PDP believes this change is essential for steering the party toward a brighter future.
As we move forward, we call on all PDP members, leaders, and stakeholders to remain focused and unified as the party prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24, 2024. The endorsement of Senator Suswam as the next National Chairman represents a commitment to strong, transformative leadership that will restore the PDP’s standing as the leading opposition political Party in Nigeria. His stewardship will ensure that the party remains a force for progress, equity, and good governance, both now and in the future.
Diasporans for PDP is a United States-based and registered non-governmental organization with membership including but not limited to Austria, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. For more information or questions about the organization, please visit: diasporansforpdp.com.
Signed,
Diasporans for PDP
We Stand with PDP National Orientation Platform
Honourable Mrs. Victoria Pamugo
Founder and National Chair, Diasporans for PDP, USA
Chidi Igwe, PhD
National Publicity Secretary, Diasporans for PDP, Canada
Farouk Suleiman, PhD
Diasporans for PDP, United Kingdom
Mrs. Theodora Igwe
Diasporans for PDP, USA
Bilyaminu Auwal Romo, PhD
Diasporans for PDP, United Kingdom
Omoniyi Tobi Taiwo
Diasporans for PDP, Australia
Emmanuel Nnaemeka Amaefule
Diasporans for PDP, Austria
Prince Tony Adiele
Diasporans for PDP, Netherlands