Ex-Benue gov Suswam declares for Senate under APC

In a significant political maneuver, former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has officially declared his intention to vie for the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, this time under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move follows his earlier defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party, a transition he describes not as a mere party switch, but as a "political realignment" driven by deep-seated conviction.

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

Suswam's decision appears rooted in his analysis of Benue State's political trajectory. He observes that the state has historically gravitated towards a single dominant party, having been a PDP stronghold for its initial 16 years before shifting its allegiance to the APC. As a "Benue son," he states his intention to align with the prevailing political will of his people, who he believes now "believe in the principles and philosophy of the APC."

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Benue State for its first 16 years was completely a PDP state. And then subsequently after that, they moved to the APC.

Speaking on Arise TV, Suswam articulated his continued ambition in politics, emphasizing that as long as he remains "strong enough to contest an election," he intends to do so. Given constitutional limitations preventing him from seeking another gubernatorial term, the Senate represents his current electoral aspiration. This declaration signals a new chapter for Suswam within the APC and sets the stage for a potentially competitive senatorial race in 2027.

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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's move underscores the fluid nature of political alliances in Nigeria and the strategic importance of aligning with the party in power, particularly in states where a clear political dominance has been established. His narrative of aligning with the people's will is a common theme in Nigerian politics, aiming to legitimize his shift and solidify his support base within the APC.

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I’m a politician. And as a politician, if you are still strong enough to contest an election, you always want to contest elections.