Makurdi, Benue State (Nigeria): Former Benue State Governor and PDP stalwart, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, has firmly denied speculation that he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Suswam dispelled the rumours in a statement by his media aide, Mr Bede Bartholomew, on Friday, and made available to reporters in Makurdi.
Gov. Hyacinth Alia has invited stakeholders in the state to a state dinner, and there were online reports that Suswam would decamp into the APC during the event.
Bede said that the former House of Representatives member was only attending a state dinner organised by Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue.
He strongly denied insinuations that his principal was defecting to the APC.
“Moments ago, I received telephone calls from well-meaning Benuelites and leaders, alerting me to trending news on Benue’s social media space purporting that the former governor of Benue, Sen. Suswam, has defected to the APC.
“Some even alleged that Suswam will be received by Gov. Hyacinth Alia this evening at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
“I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence, as it doesn’t represent the current interests of Suswam or those of his supporters across the state.
“What I know is that two days ago, Alia respectfully extended an invitation to Suswam, among other stakeholders, expressing his desire to attend a state banquet slated for 10th October 2025.
“It should be noted that as a former governor of the state, Suswam is a stakeholder in the Benue project; thus, his reason for accepting the invitation,” he said.
He stated that the invitation letter did not indicate that it was a political event or a decamping ceremony.
“The former governor advises his supporters and well-wishers to disregard this rumour, as it is baseless, aimless, and a lie from the deepest pit of hell,” he said.
