Gabriel Suswam involved in Benue senatorial dispute and governorship succession debate

Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam is involved in two significant political developments in Benue State. In a legal dispute, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that Suswam won the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Benue North East Senatorial District. Suswam is challenging the party's decision to recognize incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udenbe as the candidate, seeking a court order to be recognized as the validly elected winner. The court has scheduled a judgment for October 12.

Separately, Suswam has sparked debate regarding the future of the Benue State governorship. During a town hall meeting in Adikpo, he advocated for Governor Hyacinth Alia to be re-elected in 2027 to complete two terms. Suswam proposed a succession plan where the Kwande Intermediate Area of the Benue North-East Senatorial District would produce the state's governor in 2031. This proposal has drawn criticism from leaders in Benue South (Zone C), a region that has not produced an elected governor since the state's creation in 1976 and has long campaigned against political marginalization.