Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally registering with the ruling party after weeks of signalling dissatisfaction with his former platform.
Confirmation of the move came on Wednesday through his Chief of Staff, Moses Ukeyima, who announced that Suswam completed his APC membership registration in Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. According to him, the former governor was enrolled through the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise and immediately received his membership card.
Ukeyima said the registration was processed by state organising secretary James Ornguga and Angura Bishop, acting for the state party leadership, who also presented the new party card to the former senator.
Suswam’s switch follows his recent resignation from the PDP, which he blamed on prolonged internal crises and unresolved leadership disputes. Explaining his decision earlier, he said the party had drifted from its founding principles and had failed to address deep-rooted structural and ideological divisions.
He described the situation as one where conflicts over leadership, discipline, and direction were allowed to persist without a credible resolution framework, making continued membership difficult.
Despite leaving, Suswam acknowledged the role the PDP played in his political career, noting that the party gave him opportunities to serve at different levels of government — including as a member of the House of Representatives, governor of Benue State, and senator.
He said his decision to quit the party was carefully considered and expressed appreciation for the trust and responsibilities previously entrusted to him under the PDP platform.
