According to The Sun News, A former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Niger State and prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jonathan Vatsa, has claimed that the current wave of violence in Plateau and Benue states is politically driven, with the aim of destabilising President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
While addressing journalists at his home in Minna on Sunday, Vatsa asserted that the killings were part of a wider conspiracy designed to portray Tinubu’s government as ineffective in tackling insecurity.
He said, “Back in 2014, these same individuals incited tensions between Christians and Muslims against the Jonathan administration. They weaponised insecurity to manipulate and deceive Nigerians, turning public sentiment against the government.”
“They funded Boko Haram, bombs were being thrown everywhere in the country, including Abuja and they organised the kidnapping of Chibok school girls all in an attempt to make Jonathan government very unpopular before Nigerians.”
Vatsa alleged that these forces have resumed their strategies, using unrest in Plateau and Benue as tools in a broader 2027 political agenda.
“These killings are not random—they’re part of a calculated political script. It’s all about 2027, and by now, the government should be aware of this,” he said.
He further described the perpetrators as “political merchants” who resort to violence and unrest to sabotage any administration they aren’t part of.
“To them, if they are not holding power, then no administration deserves to succeed. They’ll resort to violence and terrorism to bring down any government that refuses to serve their interests,” he stated.
Vatsa, who currently serves as the special adviser on public-private partnerships (PPP) to Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State, warned that unless President Tinubu takes decisive action, these political actors might plunge the country into chaos.
He added, “The real target of this security crisis is Tinubu’s administration. He needs to act boldly and urgently, or these political merchants will destabilise his government through orchestrated disorder.”
Despite the mounting security challenges, Vatsa voiced strong belief in Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term.
“In my view, if Buhari’s administration—despite lacking direction—could survive for eight years, there’s no reason Tinubu can’t win in 2027. One thing I know for sure is that in Niger State, there won’t be any vacancy in the Government House in 2027. The opposition seems to have accepted the ‘New Niger Agenda’ and the remarkable infrastructural progress under this administration. But if Tinubu believes there’s a vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, that’s up to him,” he said.
Vatsa also took aim at the government’s hesitation in bringing those behind the violence to justice, lamenting that in Nigeria, wrongdoers are often rewarded.
“It’s only in this country that criminals and looters are treated like heroes while law-abiding citizens are neglected. Those who should be facing trial are being honoured simply because they support the ruling party,” he said.
He urged Tinubu to adopt a firmer approach to dealing with the current security situation.
“Tackling this kind of threat demands a certain level of toughness—even madness. If the president doesn’t possess it, he must develop it quickly before these people overrun his administration,” Vatsa warned.
Find Verified News At Your fingertips Click The Button Below