Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending his long association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Suswam, who has held multiple political offices including Member of the House of Representatives, Governor of Benue State, and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, cited persistent internal crises within the PDP as the reason for his defection.

The announcement was made on Facebook by his Chief of Staff, Moses Ukeyima, who revealed that Suswam had completed his APC membership registration at Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area. The exercise, conducted through the party’s ongoing e-registration platform, was overseen by state organising secretary James Ornguga and Angura Bishop, acting on behalf of the state chairman, who formally presented the membership card to the former governor.

In a previous statement explaining his decision to leave the PDP, Suswam said:

“The party that once stood as a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition has, regrettably, become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts. These disputes, spanning leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution.”

He also expressed gratitude for the opportunities the PDP had provided him over the years:

“For decades, the PDP provided me with a platform to serve the Nigerian people in various capacities. For these opportunities and the trust reposed in me at different times, I remain sincerely grateful.”

Suswam’s defection marks a significant political development in Benue State, coming ahead of the 2027 general elections, and is expected to reshape the state’s political landscape.