Makurdi (Nigeria): A former Benue Governor, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, on Wednesday officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a few hours after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Suswam had earlier in the day resigned from the PDP, citing unending internal conflicts as the reason.
“The party that once stood as a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy and progressive opposition has, regrettably, become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts.
“These disputes over leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology have gone unresolved,” the former governor wrote in his resignation letter. He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it provided him.
“This decision was not easy. For decades, the PDP gave me a platform to serve as a House member, Benue governor, and senator for Nigeria. These opportunities and the trust reposed in me at different times, I remain sincerely grateful,” he further said.
Suswam’s defection to APC signals a significant political move by the two-term Benue governor and former senator who represented Benue North East Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2019 and 2023.
Suswam, a founding member of PDP, had remained in the party for 27 years.
Speaking after receiving his membership card at Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area, Suswam urged his supporters to join the party. He urged Benue people to support Gov. Hyacinth Alia in fulfilling his mandate.
He also stated that a formal ceremony for him and his supporters would take place later. Reports that the Organising Secretary of APC in Benue, Mr James Ornguga, presented the membership card to Suswam on behalf of the state chairman of the party.