Former Benue State Governor and ex-Senator Gabriel Suswam has formally declared his intention to contest the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Okay News reports that Suswam, who recently defected to the All Progessives Congress (APC) is a veteran of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1998. He justified his move by aligning himself with the current political leaning of his home state. He noted that while Benue was a stronghold for the PDP during its first 16 years, the state has since transitioned its loyalty to the APC. As a “son of the soil,” Suswam stated he would not be an exception to the “principles and philosophy” his people now embrace.
Addressing his future political plans, the two-term former governor clarified that his only viable path forward is the Senate, as constitutional term limits prevent him from returning to the governorship. “If you are still strong enough to contest an election, you always want to contest elections,” Suswam remarked, expressing confidence in his capacity to represent his district once again under the ruling party’s banner.
This move is expected to trigger a realignment of forces within the Benue APC, especially as the party prepares for the 2027 cycle. Observers are already weighing how Suswam’s entry will impact the internal power dynamics of the state chapter and the broader influence of the APC in the Middle Belt.
