Benue: You Have No Integrity, Suswam Blasts APC Members Attending PDP Meetings

Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has taken a swipe at politicians who maintain ties across multiple political parties, describing such conduct as a clear sign of compromised integrity.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Suswam insisted that political actors must take firm and unambiguous positions rather than straddle 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 said.

He stressed that credibility in politics requires commitment, adding that individuals who attempt to balance loyalty between parties cannot be trusted.

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 moved from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, defended his defection as part of a broader political realignment driven by conviction rather than personal ambition.

“Realignment means people are moving to align with others based on shared beliefs. It’s not just about personal interest—it’s about conviction,” he explained.

According to him, his decision was influenced by the prevailing political direction in Benue State and the performance of the current administration.

“I won’t go against what my people believe. They now identify with the philosophy of the APC,” he said.

He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, noting that his leadership aligns with the expectations of the people.

“The governor is delivering on his promises. The people want him,” Suswam added.

On his political future, the former governor confirmed his intention to return to elective office, revealing that he is eyeing a Senate seat.

“The only election I intend to contest now is the Senate,” he said.

Addressing perceived divisions within Benue politics, Suswam downplayed tensions, describing them as normal democratic competition rather than conflict.

“It’s not a fight; it’s a contest. People are simply contesting for offices,” he noted.

He also clarified that political disagreements with George Akume do not translate into personal animosity.

“We are not enemies. Political disagreement does not mean hostility,” he said.

On the state’s security challenges, Suswam acknowledged that the situation has worsened but maintained that efforts are ongoing at both state and federal levels.

“Insecurity has become more extensive and overwhelming, but the governor is doing very well given the circumstances,” he said.

He further tied his support for the APC to national economic reforms under the current administration, describing them as difficult but necessary.

“The president has taken courageous and painful decisions. In the long run, the country will be better for it,” he said.

Reflecting on governance realities, Suswam pointed to improvements in the state’s financial management compared to his time in office.

“When I was governor, we owed salaries. Today, no governor in the state is talking about salary arrears,” he noted.

Reaffirming his stance, he urged politicians to remain principled, stressing that integrity in public life depends on clear allegiance and consistency.