Jonathan Vatsa, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, has expressed his belief that the ongoing violence in Plateau and Benue states carries significant political motivations. He warns that this turmoil is being orchestrated to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
Vatsa, speaking from Minna, drew parallels between the current situation and events leading up to the 2014 election, asserting that similar tactics were used against former President Goodluck Jonathan. He contends that certain individuals are actively funding both violence and insecurity with the intent of damaging the reputation of the Tinubu administration to clear the path for their preferred candidates in the upcoming elections.
In his capacity as the Special Adviser on Public-Private Partnerships to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Vatsa called upon President Tinubu to take immediate and effective measures to confront the security concerns that Nigeria faces. He cautioned that a failure to address these issues could ultimately jeopardize Tinubu’s tenure in office. “In 2014, the same people set both Christians and Muslims against the Jonathan administration, using insecurity as a weapon to poison and deceive Nigerians and turn them against the government,” he remarked, emphasizing the cyclical nature of such political strategies.
Vatsa elaborated, “These same people are back on the drawing board again. The killings in Plateau and Benue are all part of the game plan; it is all about 2027. The government should know this by now.” His perspective sheds light on the possible manipulations behind the violence, suggesting a calculated attempt to create division and unrest.
Despite his grim assessment of the security landscape, Vatsa remains optimistic about Tinubu’s chances for re-election, noting the resilience shown by previous administrations in the face of challenges. He stated, “The current security challenges would not hinder President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027,” emphasizing how previous leaders have navigated through tough circumstances.
However, Vatsa did not shy away from addressing the apparent inaction of the government in pursuing those responsible for the violence. He asserted, “The government knows the perpetrators and sponsors of the violence but is afraid to take action against them,” highlighting a perceived deficit in decisive leadership that is necessary to effectively combat the ongoing insecurity.
He concluded by characterizing the culprits behind the violence as “political merchants,” warning, “If they are not in any government, then that government must not succeed. They will unleash insecurity and violence against the government.” This assertion implies a deeply embedded strategy among certain factions to exploit societal unrest for political gain, raising concerns about the potential ramifications for Nigeria’s stability as elections draw nearer.