Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, signaling a new phase in his political career.
Suswam made the announcement on Monday, April 13, stating that he would be running under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in his political alignment.
The former governor, who previously served two terms as Benue State’s chief executive, said his decision to join the ruling party was influenced by the prevailing political dynamics within the state and the preferences of the electorate.
Speaking on his political trajectory, Suswam noted that Benue State has historically demonstrated strong loyalty to dominant political parties, explaining that the state was largely controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its first 16 years before shifting allegiance to the APC in more recent times.
“Benue State, since I started politics in 1998, is a place where the people believe in one party,” he said. “Benue State for its first 16 years was completely a PDP state. And then subsequently after that, they moved to the APC.”
His declaration to run for Senate also comes with an acknowledgment of constitutional limitations that prevent him from seeking another term as governor. Suswam explained that, as a two-term governor, he is barred by law from contesting the governorship again, leaving the senatorial race as his most viable political option.
“I’m a politician. And as a politician, if you are still strong enough to contest an election, you always want to contest elections,” he said. “The only election that I can contest now is the Senate.”
He added, “Of course, I can’t go back to run for governor even if I want to run for that, the constitution forbids me from running for governor again. So of course, I’ll be running for Senate.”
Suswam further emphasized that his decision to align with the APC reflects his responsiveness to the political direction of the people of Benue State. According to him, the electorate’s current preference for the ruling party played a major role in shaping his choice.
“As a Benue son, I won’t be an exception to what my people want and what my people believe. They now believe in the principles and philosophy of the APC,” he stated.
The former governor also highlighted his continued commitment to public service, noting that his ambition is driven by a desire to remain actively involved in governance and contribute to the development of his constituency.
He suggested that, like many politicians, the drive to serve remains strong as long as one has the capacity and opportunity to do so.
“As a young politician, one would always be eager to serve his or her people,” Suswam added, underscoring his readiness to return to elective office.
Political observers say Suswam’s declaration could reshape the political landscape in Benue North-East, a senatorial district that has historically witnessed competitive contests among major political parties. His entry into the race under the APC platform is also expected to intensify political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The move may further signal broader shifts within Benue politics, particularly as politicians position themselves in anticipation of the next general election cycle. Analysts note that defections and strategic alignments are likely to increase as the election approaches.
While it remains unclear who his potential challengers will be, Suswam’s experience as a former governor and his established political network are expected to play a significant role in shaping the contest.
His announcement adds to the growing list of early political declarations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as aspirants across the country begin to signal their intentions and align with political platforms.
As preparations for the elections gradually gather momentum, attention is expected to focus on how political actors like Suswam navigate party structures, build alliances, and engage with voters in the lead-up to the polls.
