Ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam Officially Enters 2026 Senate Race Under APC; Benue North-East Braces for Heavyweight Clash as Defected PDP Giant Challenges Incumbent

The political landscape of Benue State has “flipped the script” yet again, as Gabriel Suswam formally kicks off his bid to return to the Red Chamber. The former Governor gathered his “Tsunami” of supporters to announce that he will be seeking the APC ticket for the Benue North-East Senatorial District. This move transforms what was a quiet primary season into a high-stakes “Drill or Drop” battle for the soul of the party in the state.

The “Solution” to his political future, according to Suswam, was leaving the PDP a party he once helped build to join the ruling APC. “You cannot stay in the rain and expect to be dry,” Suswam told his followers, arguing that for the “Renewed Hope” agenda to reach the grassroots of Benue, the state must be fully integrated into the APC’s national network. His entry is expected to “tinker” with the existing power structures, especially as the state chapter remains divided between loyalists of the Presidency and local party chieftains.

The 2026 Senate race now promises to be one of the most expensive and closely watched in the country. Suswam’s supporters believe his experience as a “bridge-builder” will give the district the influence it has allegedly lacked since 2023. However, critics within the APC are already questioning the “overnight” prominence given to a former PDP leader, setting the stage for a fiery primary contest against Senator Emmanuel Udende.

As the “digital trenches” of Benue politics heat up with endorsements and counter-claims, the message from the Suswam camp is clear: he isn’t just joining the APC to be a member; he is joining to lead. For the people of Benue North-East, the road to 2027 has officially become a three-way intersection of past legacies, current incumbents, and future ambitions.