Jonathan Vatsa Dumps APC for SDP with Over 200 Supporters Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), bringing more than 200 supporters with him as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Vatsa announced his defection on Wednesday at Gulu-Anguwa-Gulu Vatsa Ward in Lapai Local Government Area, less than two weeks after resigning from the APC over what he described as the party’s betrayal of Nigerians’ trust.

At the event, SDP ward chairman Adamu Mohammed Baba presented him with membership card number N10120100001, formally welcoming the former APC publicity secretary in Niger State into the party.

Addressing his supporters, Vatsa criticised the APC-led government, calling on residents to vote the ruling party out in 2027. He accused the administration of failing to deliver results despite receiving substantial allocations from the federal government and obtaining loans.

“This is a government that has enormous resources from the federal account, including loans, yet you cannot point to a single project worth ₦5 billion that has been completed,” he said.

Vatsa also urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and prepare to participate in the next general election, arguing that voters should use the ballot to express their dissatisfaction with the ruling party. His claims about government spending and project delivery were not independently substantiated in the report.

Explaining his decision to join the SDP, the former commissioner said he had confidence in the party’s governorship candidate, Mohammed Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, whom he described as a trustworthy leader with a record of achievements. He expressed optimism that his move would boost the party’s grassroots support and improve its prospects in the state.

“Political parties do not make the people; rather, the people make political parties. With the support of all of you who have decided to move along with me to the SDP today, the party will soon stamp its authority in the state, and we will take over the government in 2027,” Vatsa said.

The more than 200 defectors reportedly came from five wards in the Azza area: Evuti Pada, Ebbo Gbacheko, Muye Egba, Gupa Abuge and Gulu-Anguwa-Gulu Vatsa. Some supporters said they followed Vatsa because of his longstanding relationship with them and his willingness to involve them in political decisions.

Welcoming the new entrants, the SDP ward chairman described Vatsa as a “big fish,” citing his political experience and grassroots influence as assets to the party. The ward youth leader, Mallam Said Mohammed, also welcomed the defectors and expressed confidence that they would contribute to the SDP’s efforts to challenge for power in Niger State in 2027.