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Former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, has criticised politicians who keep ties with multiple political parties, saying such behaviour shows a lack of integrity and weakens public trust.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Suswam said politicians must take clear positions instead of trying to operate across party lines for convenience.
“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 stressed that credibility in politics depends on firm conviction and consistency.
“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 Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, defended his defection, describing it as a decision driven by conviction and alignment with the wishes of his people.
“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.”
He said his decision was influenced by political developments in Benue and the performance of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“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.” Praising the governor’s performance, he added:
“The governor of the state is doing what they want him to do. He’s delivering on his promises… the people want him.”
On his political ambition, Suswam confirmed he is eyeing a return to the National Assembly.
“The only election that I would contest now is the Senate election.”
He also dismissed claims of deep divisions within Benue politics, describing the situation as normal political competition rather than a personal feud.
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“I don’t think it’s a fight, it’s a contestation. People are contesting for political offices.”
Clarifying his relationship with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, he said disagreements should not be mistaken for hostility.
“If there is a political disagreement, that does not necessarily mean that we are enemies… We are not enemies.”
On insecurity, Suswam admitted the situation has worsened but noted that both state and federal authorities are making efforts to contain it.
“The insecurity in the state has become more extensive… This is something that has just overwhelmed the country completely.”
He, however, backed the current administration’s response.
“The governor, given what is before him, is doing very well.”
Suswam also linked his support for the APC to broader national reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The president took very courageous and very painful decisions… in the long run, this country will be better for it.”
Reflecting on governance challenges, he compared current realities with his time in office.
“When I was governor, I was owing salaries… no governor in this state is talking about owing salaries.”
He concluded by urging politicians to remain principled, insisting that loyalty to one platform is key to building trust and credibility in Nigeria’s political space.
