Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has criticised politicians who maintain ties with multiple political parties, declaring that such actions reflect a lack of integrity.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Suswam said politicians must take clear positions rather than attempt to operate across party lines.
“If any person feels that he wants to contest election against the incumbent government, and he’s in APC, and he’s going to attend a PDP meeting, that person, for me, is outrightly disqualified from even an attempt because he has no integrity.”
He added, “If you have integrity, you must stand on something. If you can stand on something and you’re putting one leg in, one leg out, then it means that, no, you can’t rely upon this integrity.”
Suswam, who recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, defended his decision as part of a broader political realignment driven by conviction and public interest rather than personal gain.
“If you define the word realignment, it means that people are moving from where they were to align with other people… It is not just for personal interest. It is that you are convicted of something.”
He explained that his move was influenced by the political direction of Benue State and the performance of the current administration.
“I won’t be an exception to what my people want and what my people believe. They now believe in the principle and the philosophy of APC.”
Praising Governor Hyacinth Alia, Suswam said, “The governor of the state is doing what they want him to do. He’s delivering on his promises… the people want him.”
On his personal political future, the former governor confirmed plans to return to elective office, stating clearly:
“The only election that I would contest now is the Senate election.”
Addressing concerns about internal divisions within Benue politics, Suswam dismissed suggestions of a power struggle among leaders, describing the situation instead as routine political competition.
“I don’t think it’s a fight, it’s a contestation. People are contesting for political offices.”
He also clarified his relationship with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, insisting that political disagreements do not amount to personal hostility.
“If there is a political disagreement, that does not necessarily mean that we are enemies… We are not enemies.”
On security challenges in the state, Suswam acknowledged a worsening situation but maintained that efforts were ongoing at both state and federal levels.
“The insecurity in the state has become more extensive… This is something that has just overwhelmed the country completely.”
He, however, backed the current administration’s response, noting, “The governor, given what is before him, is doing very well.”
Suswam further linked his support for the APC to broader national considerations, particularly economic reforms by the current administration.
“The president took very courageous and very painful decisions… in the long run, this country will be better for it.”
He added that his decision was also shaped by governance realities, recalling past challenges during his tenure.
“When I was governor, I was owing salaries… no governor in this state is talking about owing salaries.”
Reaffirming his stance, Suswam urged political actors to remain principled, insisting that credibility in politics depends on clarity of allegiance and commitment to a single platform.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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