Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam says there's no rift within Benue's APC leadership. He made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television's Morning Show.
Suswam, a former state governor, insisted that Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume have settled their differences. A major reconciliation meeting at the State Government House in Makurdi brought them together recently.
He won the Benue North East Senatorial primary just days earlier. Suswam polled 131,083 votes to claim victory in the contest.
His closest challenger was incumbent senator Emmanuel Memga Udende. The primary election covered seven local government areas across the zone.
"There is no divide in Benue as far as I know and am concerned," Suswam told the television audience. According to him, both the governor and the SGF made public statements confirming the peace accord after their meeting.
He rejected suggestions that he belongs to any faction within the party. "I was nominated and contested under the platform of the APC, not the platform of the SGF or the governor," the senator-elect noted.
Suswam was quick to acknowledge Alia's leadership position in state politics. He said everyone seeking office must work to gain the governor's backing.
"The governor is the political father of the state as of now so everybody must seek the support of the governor," in his words. Suswam expressed gratitude for his own primary victory, crediting divine intervention.
His comments came weeks after President Tinubu reportedly encouraged party unity in Benue. Senior party figures, including Alia and Akume, had gathered at the State Government House for talks.
The reconciliation effort appeared aimed at healing splits ahead of 2025 general elections. Party insiders had previously reported tensions between the governor's camp and Akume's faction.
Suswam's remarks suggest those disputes may now be resolved. Officials from both camps will likely face pressure to maintain the unity message going forward.
