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

A former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has declared his intention to contest for the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Suswam made the disclosure on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, confirming his return to the senatorial race after previously serving in the National Assembly.

The former governor, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in February, described his move as part of a broader “political realignment” rather than a decision driven by personal ambition.

He explained that political alignment in Benue State has historically followed dominant party structures, noting that the state was once firmly controlled by the PDP before shifting allegiance to the APC.

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

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

He added that his decision to join the ruling party reflects the prevailing political sentiment among the people of the state.

“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,” he stated.

Speaking on his 2027 ambition, the two-term former governor said his options are limited by constitutional provisions, making the Senate his only viable political office.

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

“The only election that I can contest now is the Senate. Of course, I can’t go back to run for governor; even if I want to run for that, the Constitution forbids me from running for governor again. So of course, I’ll be running for Senate.”

Suswam’s declaration signals an early move in the build-up to the 2027 elections, as political realignments continue across party lines.