The decision of Sen Gabriel Suswam, former Benue State Governor, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a demonstration of political maturity and a renewed commitment to the unity and progress of Benue, Mr Emmanuel Hangeior, identified as Personal Assistant to the former Benue North East (Zone A) Senator, has said in a statement.
Sen Suswam joined partisan politics in 1998, winning elections twice to represent Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency election and was elected Governor in 2007, going on to win re-election in 2011. He was elected Senator in 2019, all under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Earlier this year, it emerged that Sen. Suswam, who had previously not defected from the PDP, was joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a sudden change of events, though, Mr Hangeior said Sen Suswam’s decision to join APC is driven by his desire to work in harmony with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the Governor, Fr. Alia, to bring more dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State.
By aligning with the ruling party, Mr Hangeior explained that Sen Suswam seeks to ensure that the state benefits maximally from federal opportunities, development programs, and national initiatives under the PBAT administration.
“In recent years, Benue has faced various developmental challenges ranging from insecurity to unemployment and infrastructural deficits. Senator Suswam believes that effective collaboration with the federal government and the state administration offers the most practical path towards addressing these issues. His move to the APC, therefore, underscores a shift from partisan politics to people-centred governance, one driven by the vision of collective growth and prosperity,” part of the statement reads.
Earlier this week, Sen. Suswam met with Sen. Emmanuel Udende, Benue East (APC), at his successor’s Abuja residence. He was also part of the pre-camping dinner organised by the Benue State Government recently.
It is unclear at the time of filing this report whether a date has been fixed for his former entry into the APC yet.
