Suswam Denies Plans to Defect to APC, Says Attendance at Alia’s Dinner Not Political

Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has denied rumours claiming he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Suswam dismissed the speculation in a statement released on Friday by his media aide, Mr. Bede Bartholomew, in Makurdi.

Reports had surfaced online suggesting that the former governor would officially join the APC during a state dinner organized by Governor Hyacinth Alia for political stakeholders in the state.

However, Bartholomew clarified that his principal was merely attending the event as a former governor and stakeholder in the state, not as part of any political move.

“Moments ago, I received calls from well-meaning Benue citizens and leaders, alerting me to trending news on social media purporting that Sen. Gabriel Suswam has defected to the APC,” the aide said.

“Some even alleged that he would be received by Gov. Hyacinth Alia at the Government House, Makurdi. I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence, as it doesn’t represent Suswam’s current interests or those of his supporters across the state.”

Bartholomew explained that Governor Alia had invited Suswam and other stakeholders to a state banquet slated for October 10, 2025, and that there was no indication in the invitation that the event was political or related to defection.

“As a former governor of the state, Sen. Suswam remains a stakeholder in the Benue project; hence his decision to honour the governor’s invitation,” he added.

Bartholomew further urged the public to disregard what he described as “false and misleading reports” aimed at creating unnecessary political tension in the state.