“I’m Running for Benue North-East on APC Platform”-Suswam Formally Joins 2027 Senate Race

By Tgnews Reporter

Former Benue State Governor and ex-Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam has officially declared his intention to contest the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Suswam, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, made the declaration while addressing political associates and supporters, citing the shifting political reality in Benue State as the driving force behind his decision.

“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.”

“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,” Suswam added.

The two-term former governor left no ambiguity about his ambition, stating that his political journey is far from over.

“I’m a politician. And as a politician, if you are still strong enough to contest an election, you always want to contest elections. The only election that I can contest now is the Senate.

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’s declaration comes amid intense repositioning within the Benue APC ahead of 2027. The seat he is eyeing is currently held by Senator Emmanuel Udende, who is expected to seek re-election.

Political observers note that Suswam’s entry could trigger a fierce contest within the ruling party in the zone, popularly referred to as Zone A.

The former governor’s move to the APC has been described by party leaders as a major boost, with many believing his wealth of experience as both governor and senator will strengthen the party’s chances of consolidating power in the state.

Suswam has also been vocal in recent weeks about Benue being “locked down” for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027, a position that aligns with his current declaration.

Further details on his campaign structure and key supporters are expected in the coming weeks.