Alia-Suswam Alliance: Changing The Dynamics Of Benue Political Landscape

Benue’s political landscape is becoming increasingly interesting with the defection of former governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after 27 years of being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This no doubt makes the political stakes higher, yet emboldening for those already grounded, making waves, touching lives, and making a positive difference in the everyday life of ordinary citizens.

These are people like Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whose tenure has changed the Benue development landscape, making him a popular choice anytime.

This is not surprising, because Governor Alia has been running an inclusive government, appointed sons and daughters of Benue into key positions, addressing long-neglected development needs, prioritising rural transformation, feeder roads, bridges, water supply, and rural electrification.

He has also been subsidising farm inputs, promoting agricultural mechanization, and establishing agro-processing facilities, while in education and healthcare, he has invested in teacher training, recruitment, and infrastructure development, and the upgrading of healthcare facilities.

In just about three years, the governor’s security outfit “Operation Nyan Nyor”, which was set up to convert kidnapping and cattle rustling, has been making waves in securing communities, while his administration continues to focus on livelihood support, MSME development, and digital revenue reforms.

The Alia administration has also shown commitment to transparency and accountability, reduced the state’s debt, improved internally generated revenue, and prioritized workers’ welfare.

Politics no doubt revolves around competition for authority and the ability to affect decision-making. This is more particularly so in Nigeria, where conflicting interests often slow down the delivery of vital services to the public. To go around this, politicians have consistently forged alliances and reach out to even the most unlikely sources for partnership.

In politics, alliances and rivalries are often driven by interests, not personal relationships or emotions. As circumstances change, so do alliances and rivalries. This fluidity makes friendships and enmities temporary, hence the saying, there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, only permanent interest. It means politicians switch alliances and allegiances based on current interests, not loyalty or past relationships. What’s beneficial today might not be tomorrow, so they adapt.

It is because of this adaptation to the reality that Gabriel Suswam’s defection to the APC remains strategic, and his alliance with incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia, a fantastic game changer as Nigeria inches towards another round of election and Governor Alia set for a second term.

Suswam is bringing to Alia side, quite a large following deeply rooted in the community. He has for decades maintained an enduring influence and commitment to his constituents. His tenure as Governor of Benue State and later as a senator showcased his dedication to development, accessibility, and community engagement.

His capacity to connect with the electorate has earned him genuine affection from the people of Benue, making his recent decision to leave the PDP all the more significant.

The implications of Senator Suswam’s departure from the PDP are far-reaching and signals a potential consolidation of political power, which

is going to reshape the forthcoming election dynamics with the APC fully set to gain traction and influence even in areas traditionally aligned with the PDP.

Suswam’s move to the APC presents an opportunity for the party to bolster its membership and improve its electoral prospects in Benue State. His established political network and popularity could attract new members and sway undecided voters, making the APC a formidable competitor in future elections.

Governor Alia and Suswam have demonstrated deep commitment to the development of Benue, and their collaboration certainly advance Benue’s interest.

In the words of the state APC chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, this strategic alignment complement the transformative agenda of Governor Alia, reinforce support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and strengthen APC’s commitment to unity, development, and responsible governance in Benue State.

The Chairman also has a message to the new entrants – APC in Benue will ensure their full integration, fairness, and mutual respect.

“We also welcome other recent decampees, whose alignment demonstrates confidence in the party’s leadership.

“We urge all party faithful to embrace the new members in the spirit of brotherhood as we work together to advance peace, unity, and the continued progress of Benue State.

“Together, we are stronger. Together, we move Benue forward,” he said.

Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy