Gabriel Suswam, former Governor of Benue State and ex-Senator for the Benue North-East Senatorial District, has announced his intention to return to the Nigerian Senate in the 2027 general elections. The declaration was made during a public event over the weekend, where Suswam, now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), outlined his political plans following his recent party switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Suswam, who served as governor of Benue State for two terms, emphasized that his decision to re-enter politics is rooted in the people’s shifting political allegiance. He noted that since he began his political career in 1998, Benue State has consistently shown strong party loyalty. “Benue was completely a PDP state for its first 16 years,” he said, adding that the state has since transitioned to supporting the APC.
As a native son of Benue, Suswam stated he would not go against the will of his people. “They now believe in the principles and philosophy of the APC,” he affirmed, explaining that his party change reflects the broader political sentiment in the state. His move to the APC is seen as a strategic alignment with the current political landscape in Benue.
The former governor also addressed his eligibility for future elections. He pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution prohibits him from seeking a third term as governor, making the Senate the only viable option for him. “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.”
Suswam’s return to the Senate race is expected to bring renewed attention to Benue North-East, a senatorial district with significant political influence. His experience as both a governor and a former senator positions him as a strong contender, especially with his backing from the ruling party.
His campaign will likely focus on development, security, and youth empowerment, issues that have been central to his previous political engagements. The 2027 elections will mark a critical moment for Benue’s political direction, with Suswam’s candidacy potentially reshaping the dynamics of the senatorial race.
As Nigeria prepares for its next general elections, Suswam’s announcement adds another prominent figure to the growing list of candidates vying for national office. His return to the Senate could influence party strategies and voter turnout in Benue State, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched contest.
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