APC ditches Suswam, 25 other NASS candidates

For Gabriel Suswam, the former Benue State Governor, this latest development is a bitter pill to swallow. Having been dropped by the APC from its final list of senatorial candidates, Suswam's chances of returning to the Senate have been significantly diminished. The consequences of this decision are far-reaching, not just for Suswam, but also for the APC, which has been trying to consolidate its power in the North-Central region. The APC's National Working Committee (NWC) has made a notable step, dropping Suswam, along with 25 other NASS candidates, from its final lists forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The APC's decision to drop these candidates is not without its logic. According to the source, the party's NWC attributed the sweeping changes to the report of the Primary Election Appeal Committee. This suggests that the party is trying to address some of the issues that arose during the primary elections, which were held in May. The APC has replaced some of the dropped candidates with new ones, in a bid to strengthen its chances in the upcoming elections. For instance, in Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi displaced Aro Samuel Bamidele, while in Abia South, Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu was replaced by Prince Paul Ikonne. These changes are not just cosmetic; they reflect the APC's desire to field stronger candidates in key constituencies.

The APC's decision to drop these candidates has significant implications for the party's chances in the North-Central region. The region has been a stronghold of the APC, but the party's fortunes have been waning in recent times. By dropping some of its key candidates, the APC is trying to send a signal that it is willing to take bold steps to regain its footing in the region. However, this move may also backfire, as some of the dropped candidates may choose to run as independents or join other parties. This could split the APC's vote and make it easier for opposition parties to win in these constituencies.

The APC's decision to drop these candidates is a calculated risk, designed to strengthen its chances in the upcoming elections. The party is trying to balance its desire to field strong candidates with the need to avoid alienating its supporters. By making these changes, the APC is trying to send a signal that it is committed to winning, even if it means taking tough decisions. However, this move may also reflect the APC's internal power struggles, as some factions within the party may be trying to assert their influence.## Forwarding the APC's New Strategy

The APC's decision to drop these candidates marks a significant shift in its strategy for the upcoming elections. The party is trying to adapt to changing circumstances, while also trying to consolidate its power in key regions. As the elections approach, the APC will need to navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries, all while trying to win over voters. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the APC has sent a clear signal that it is willing to take bold steps to regain its footing in Nigerian politics.