Senator Gabriel Suswam, a two-term former governor of Benue State, has firmly dismissed rumours that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Friday, October 10, by his media aide, Mr. Bede Bartholomew, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, Suswam described the reports circulating online as “baseless” and “completely untrue.”
The speculation arose after reports suggested that Suswam would formally join the APC during a state dinner hosted by Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi. However, his media aide clarified that the senator was only attending the event in his capacity as a former governor and stakeholder in the state, not as part of any political realignment.
Bede said, “Moments ago, I received telephone calls from well-meaning Benuelites and leaders, alerting me to trending news on Benue’s social media space purporting that the former governor of Benue, Sen. Suswam, has defected to the APC. Some even alleged that Suswam will be received by Gov. Hyacinth Alia this evening at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.”
He strongly refuted the reports, saying, “I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence, as it doesn’t represent the current interests of Suswam or that of his supporters across the state.”
According to him, Governor Alia had “respectfully extended an invitation to Suswam, among other stakeholders, expressing his desire for them to attend a state banquet slated for 10th October 2025.” The aide noted that as a former governor, Suswam remains a “stakeholder in the Benue project” and therefore had every reason to honour the governor’s invitation.
“There was no indication in the invitation letter that it was a political event or a decamping ceremony whatsoever,” he clarified.
Bede added that Suswam’s attendance at the dinner was purely out of respect for the office of the governor and the development of Benue State, not a sign of political defection.
“The former governor advises his supporters and well-wishers to disregard this rumour, as it is baseless, aimless, and a lie from the deepest pit of hell,” he said.
The statement reaffirmed Suswam’s continued loyalty to the PDP and his commitment to contributing to the state’s progress through constructive engagement, irrespective of party affiliations.
