Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has criticised politicians who maintain affiliations with multiple political parties, saying such conduct reflects a lack of integrity and undermines political credibility.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Gabriel Suswam said politicians must take clear and consistent political positions rather than attempt to operate across party lines for convenience or advantage.
According to him, any politician who claims opposition intent while still engaging with ruling party structures lacks the moral standing to contest elections.
“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,” Gabriel Suswam said.
He also stressed that political integrity demands full commitment to a chosen platform, adding that divided loyalty weakens public trust.
“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,” he added.
Suswam, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended his decision, describing it as part of a political realignment based on conviction and the interests of his constituents rather than personal gain.
He explained that political realignment involves shifting allegiance in response to changing political realities and public expectations.
“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,” Gabriel Suswam said.
The former governor added that his decision was influenced by developments in Benue State and what he described as the direction of current political leadership in the state.
“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,” he said.
Praising the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, Suswam said the governor is delivering on expectations and enjoying public support.
“The governor of the state is doing what they want him to do. He’s delivering on his promises, the people want him,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Suswam confirmed that he intends to return to elective politics, declaring that his next political ambition is the Senate.
“The only election that I would contest now is the Senate election,” he said.
Addressing concerns about political tensions in Benue State, Gabriel Suswam dismissed suggestions of hostility among political actors, describing such dynamics as normal electoral competition.
“I don’t think it’s a fight, it’s a contestation. People are contesting for political offices,” he said.
He also clarified his relationship with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stating that political disagreements should not be mistaken for personal enmity.
“If there is a political disagreement, that does not necessarily mean that we are enemies… We are not enemies,” he added.
On insecurity in Benue State, Suswam acknowledged worsening conditions but said both state and federal authorities are making efforts to address the situation.
“The insecurity in the state has become more extensive.This is something that has just overwhelmed the country completely,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he expressed support for the current administration, praising its economic policies and reforms.
“The president took very courageous and very painful decisions… in the long run, this country will be better for it,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in office, Gabriel Suswam noted that financial difficulties were more severe in the past compared to the present situation in the state.
“When I was governor, I was owing salaries, no governor in this state is talking about owing salaries,” he said.
Suswam concluded by urging political actors to remain consistent and principled, insisting that credibility in politics depends on clear allegiance and commitment to a single political platform.
