Senator Gabriel Suswam, who served two terms as governor of Benue State, has categorically rejected claims that he intends to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a press release dated Friday, October 10, issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Bede Bartholomew, and shared with the press in Makurdi, Suswam labeled the circulating rumours as “entirely unfounded” and “false.”
The false reports emerged following suggestions that Suswam would officially join the APC during a state dinner hosted by Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi. However, his media representative clarified that the senator’s presence at the event was strictly in his role as a former governor and key stakeholder in Benue State, not as part of any political shift.
Bede Bartholomew explained, “I have just received calls from concerned Benue citizens and leaders about trending posts on social media claiming that Senator Suswam has defected to the APC. Some reports even suggested that Governor Hyacinth Alia would formally welcome him at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.”
He firmly dismissed these claims, stating, “I vehemently reject this malicious rumour as it does not reflect Senator Suswam’s intentions or those of his supporters throughout the state.”
According to Bartholomew, Governor Alia had “cordially invited Senator Suswam, along with other prominent figures, to attend a state banquet scheduled for October 10, 2025.” As a former governor, Suswam remains an influential figure in Benue’s development, which justified his acceptance of the invitation.
“The invitation did not indicate that the gathering was a political rally or a defection event,” he emphasized.
Bartholomew added that Suswam’s participation was motivated solely by respect for the governor’s office and a shared commitment to Benue’s advancement, rather than any political realignment.
“The former governor urges his followers and supporters to ignore these baseless allegations, which are nothing more than deliberate falsehoods,” he concluded.
The statement reaffirmed Senator Suswam’s steadfast allegiance to the PDP and his dedication to fostering progress in Benue State through positive collaboration, regardless of party lines.
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