‘I have no plans to join APC’ — Suswam clears air on defection speculations

Former Benue State Governor and two-term senator, Gabriel Suswam, has debunked reports alleging that he intends to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Friday by his media aide, Mr. Bede Bartholomew, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, Suswam described the circulating rumours as “false, misleading, and mischievous.”

The clarification followed widespread social media claims suggesting that the former governor would be formally received into the APC during a state dinner hosted by Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi.

Bartholomew clarified that Suswam’s attendance at the dinner was strictly by invitation and had nothing to do with any political alignment or defection.

“Moments ago, I received calls from concerned Benue citizens and political leaders drawing my attention to a viral post alleging that Sen. Gabriel Suswam has joined the APC,” Bartholomew said.

“Some even claimed that Governor Alia would officially welcome him into the party at the banquet this evening. I categorically refute this baseless rumour it is entirely false and does not reflect Sen. Suswam’s position or that of his supporters.”

He further explained that the invitation extended to Suswam was simply for a state event and bore no political connotation.

“Two days ago, Governor Alia courteously invited Suswam, alongside other notable stakeholders, to attend a state dinner scheduled for October 10, 2025. As a former governor and key stakeholder in the Benue project, Suswam accepted the invitation in good faith,” he stated.

“There was no mention in the invitation letter that the event was political or related to any form of defection.”

Bartholomew urged the public to disregard what he called “a baseless and malicious fabrication,” insisting that Suswam remains a loyal and committed member of the PDP.

Senator Gabriel Suswam, who represented Benue North East Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, continues to play a significant role within the PDP both in Benue and at the national level.