Former Benue State Governor and Senator Gabriel Suswam has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), sources reported.
According to this newspaper, Suswam, popularly known as the “Black Cat”, defected alongside several prominent figures, including the former Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii; Hon. Ojema Ojotu, a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Agatu/Apa Federal Constituency; and former Benue North-East Senator, Professor David Iornem.
Signs of the defection were evident across Makurdi, the state capital, on Friday, with streets adorned with banners and posters announcing their move to the APC. Residents also reported that a pre-defection dinner was held to consolidate the shift.
The move sparked celebrations among Suswam’s supporters, particularly in his hometown of Anyiin and the Ayilamo settlement, where locals took to the streets chanting his traditional title, “Dom Agya! Dom Agya!”
This is the first time Suswam is leaving the PDP since beginning his political career in 1999. He was first elected to the House of Representatives to represent Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum Federal Constituency, later serving two terms as Governor of Benue State under the PDP platform.
After an initial setback in his bid for the Senate, Suswam successfully returned to politics, winning the Benue North-East Senatorial seat, which he held until this latest political move.
As of press time, Suswam was reported to be holding a closed-door meeting with loyalists to finalise the date for his formal declaration in the APC.
