2027: Ex-Benue governor Suswam joins Senate race on APC platform

Gabriel Suswam, a former two-term governor of Benue State, has officially declared his intention to vie for the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, signaling a significant political maneuver. His decision to contest under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) follows his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in February. Suswam frames this move not as a personal ambition but as a strategic "political realignment" in response to the evolving political landscape of Benue State. He emphasizes that the state's political history is characterized by alignment with dominant party structures, citing its long-standing PDP affiliation before a subsequent shift towards the APC. Suswam asserts that his decision to join the ruling APC reflects the prevailing political will of the people of Benue State, stating, "As a Benue son, I won’t be an exception to what my people want and what my people believe. They now believe in the principles and philosophy of the APC." The former governor also clarified that constitutional limitations restrict his political options, making the Senate the only viable office he can contest, as he cannot run for governor again. This early declaration sets the stage for the 2027 elections, highlighting ongoing political realignments across party lines in Nigeria.

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Benue State, since I started politics in 1998, is a place where the people believe in one party.