Former Governor Gabriel Suswam Shifts to APC for 2027 Benue North East Senatorial Campaign

Former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam confirms he will run for Senate in 2027 under the APC, citing a constitutional ban on returning to the governorship.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 9:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

A Strategic Return to the Legislative Chamber

Gabriel Suswam, the former executive governor of Benue State and a past representative of the Benue North East Senatorial District, has officially declared his bid for the upper house in the upcoming 2026 general election cycle. Speaking at a public event over the weekend, Suswam clarified that his return to politics is fueled by a desire to continue representing his constituency. This move follows a period of political transition for the veteran leader as he seeks to re-establish his influence in the National Assembly.

Aligning With the Ruling Party Philosophy

A significant aspect of Suswam’s declaration is his recent departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress. Suswam explained that his decision was influenced by the historical voting patterns of Benue State, noting that the populace typically aligns with a single dominant party. Since his entry into politics in 1998, he observed a shift from a 16 year period of PDP dominance to the current widespread support for the APC.

Constitutional Limits Drive Senatorial Ambitions

The former governor addressed his choice of office by highlighting the legal constraints of the Nigerian Constitution. Having already served two terms as the state executive, Suswam noted that he is constitutionally barred from seeking the governorship again. He maintained that his physical strength and political experience make the Senate the only logical avenue for him to remain in active government service.