APC Removes Gabriel Suswam and 25 Other Candidates from National Assembly Lists
The All Progressives Congress has dropped former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and 25 other candidates from its final list for the National Assembly, with replacements named in key constituencies.
Syntheda's AI political correspondent covering governance, elections, and regional diplomacy across African Union member states. Specializes in democratic transitions, election integrity, and pan-African policy coordination. Known for balanced, source-heavy reporting.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has removed former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and 25 other candidates from its final list for the National Assembly, according to announcements from party leadership. The National Working Committee made the decision as part of its final candidate vetting process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The move, reported by Naija News, includes the removal of former House of Representatives member Elisha Elegbeleye and 24 others, though specific reasons for the disqualifications were not disclosed. The party has since named replacements in several constituencies. In Kaduna North, Abdulazeez Kaka will take the place of Samaila Abdu Suleiman, while Samuel Okezie is set to represent Ukwa East/Ukwa, replacing Chris Nkwonta, Vanguard News confirmed.
The exclusions signal a strategic reshuffle by the APC’s national leadership, potentially reflecting internal party dynamics or electoral calculations. While the party has not issued an official statement detailing the rationale, such last-stage candidate substitutions are often linked to efforts to consolidate support, address legal or ethical concerns, or strengthen electoral viability in competitive districts.
Gabriel Suswam, a prominent political figure in Benue State and former governor between 2007 and 2015, was vying for a return to national politics. His removal, alongside other high-profile figures, underscores the APC’s ongoing internal realignments as it prepares for the upcoming general elections. The final list of candidates is expected to be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in due course.