Vatsa Warns Tinubu on 2027 Election Strategy Risks

Jonathan Vatsa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, cautioned President Bola Tinubu against depending on governors and political elites for his 2027 re-election campaign. Speaking to journalists in Minna on Monday, Vatsa pointed to the outcome of the Osun governorship election as indicative of political leaders losing touch with the electorate.

He emphasized that the APC governors' inability to secure votes in Osun reflects a broader disconnection from the people. Vatsa attributed rising public discontent to economic hardships, asserting that the benefits from the removal of the fuel subsidy have not reached ordinary Nigerians.

He urged Tinubu to reconnect with the grassroots, as voters are increasingly focused on tangible improvements in their lives. Vatsa also noted internal divisions within the APC that could hinder the party's performance in the upcoming elections, warning that reliance on ministers and lawmakers who have lost constituent confidence could be detrimental.