Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has denied rumours suggesting that he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by his media aide, Bede Bartholomew, on Friday, Suswam described the reports as “false, mischievous, and misleading.”
The clarification followed widespread claims that the ex-governor would announce his defection during a state dinner organised by Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House, Makurdi.
Bartholomew explained that Suswam only accepted a formal invitation to the dinner as a stakeholder and former leader of the state, adding that there was no political motive behind his attendance.
“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,” he said.
“I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence, as it doesn’t represent the current interests of Suswam or that of his supporters across the state.”
The dinner held on October 10, 2025, was intended to bring together key political figures and stakeholders in Benue State.
Bartholomew added that Governor Alia’s letter of invitation made no reference to any defection or political gathering, stressing that the event was simply a state banquet.
