Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), barely 24 hours after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he had spent most of his political career.
Suswam’s defection was confirmed on Wednesday when he registered as a member of the APC at his Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The registration marked his first official activity in the ruling party.
The former governor said his decision to leave the PDP was based on the long-running internal crisis within the party, which he described as unresolved and damaging to its future.
Suswam, who governed Benue State from 2007 to 2015 under the PDP, is one of the most prominent politicians from the North Central region to leave the opposition party in recent times. His move is expected to have political implications in Benue State and beyond.
In his resignation letter from the PDP, Suswam expressed frustration over what he called the party’s inability to manage its internal problems. According to him, the crisis within the PDP has weakened the party and made it difficult for committed members to function effectively.
The PDP has been facing internal challenges at both the national and state levels since it lost power at the federal level in 2015. These problems include leadership disputes, court cases, and disagreements over party structure and control. Despite several reconciliation efforts, the crisis has continued to affect the party’s unity and performance.
Suswam’s defection comes at a time when many politicians are repositioning ahead of future elections. In Benue State, political alignments are gradually changing, with both the APC and PDP working to strengthen their structures.
By registering at his ward in Logo Local Government Area, Suswam followed a key requirement for new party members, especially high-profile politicians. Party officials and supporters were reportedly present to witness his registration, describing the move as a major boost for the APC in the state.
Although Suswam has not yet made a detailed public statement on his plans within the APC, sources close to him said he believes the ruling party offers a more stable platform for political engagement at this time.
Suswam’s political journey has been closely linked to the PDP since the return to democratic rule in 1999. He served as a senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District before becoming governor. After leaving office in 2015, he remained active in national politics and was seen as a key figure within the PDP.
However, his relationship with the party leadership has not always been smooth. Over the years, he has openly criticised the handling of internal affairs within the PDP, especially the repeated leadership tussles that have led to divisions across states.
His move to the APC adds to the growing list of experienced politicians who have crossed over from the PDP to the ruling party. In recent years, the APC has attracted several former governors, lawmakers, and party leaders from the opposition, strengthening its presence in different parts of the country.
For the APC in Benue State, Suswam’s defection is being viewed as a significant development. The party has struggled in the past to gain firm control of the state, which has largely been under PDP influence since 1999. Political observers say Suswam’s entry could help the APC expand its support base, especially in Benue North East.
On the other hand, the PDP in Benue State faces the challenge of managing the exit of one of its most influential members. Party leaders have often downplayed defections, saying the party remains strong, but the loss of a former governor may test its internal cohesion.
Benue State has remained politically active due to its strategic importance in the North Central zone and its large voting population. The state has also been at the centre of national discussions on security and economic development, making political control highly competitive.
Suswam’s decision to leave the PDP highlights the wider struggle within Nigeria’s opposition politics, as parties attempt to rebuild trust, unity, and structure ahead of future elections.
As reactions continue to trail his defection, attention will now shift to how Suswam plans to operate within the APC and whether his move will influence other PDP members in Benue State to follow the same path.