Osun Election: Govs, ‘political structure’ can’t deliver Tinubu in 2027 – Vatsa

Jonathan Vatsa, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) member from Niger State, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu that his 2027 re-election campaign might face challenges if he continues to rely on governors and political elites. Vatsa, who previously served as a Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, highlighted the Osun governorship election results as evidence that many political leaders have lost touch with the electorate and cannot guarantee votes for the ruling party.

Speaking to journalists in Minna, Vatsa urged Tinubu to adopt a different approach and reconnect directly with Nigerians, cautioning the President against relying solely on political structures ahead of the 2027 election. Vatsa attributed the growing public discontent to economic hardship, arguing that the increased revenues from the removal of fuel subsidy had not translated into tangible relief for ordinary Nigerians.

He emphasized that the funds were being dispersed to governors who were not leveraging them effectively, and Nigerians were blaming President Tinubu for the current hardships. Vatsa further contended that voters were increasingly focused on concrete improvements in their daily lives, such as access to food, job opportunities for their children, and enhanced security.

He attributed the APC's poor performance in Osun to internal divisions within the party, warning that similar factionalism could impact the 2027 general elections. Vatsa cautioned Tinubu against depending on ministers, lawmakers, and governors who, he claimed, had lost the confidence of their constituents. The APC chieftain described the Osun election as a warning sign for the party, stating that issues like hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and perceived poor leadership could significantly influence voters' decisions in 2027.

He emphasized that if the APC's solidarity in Osun failed to yield favorable results, it would be a clear indication for Tinubu to reconnect with the grassroots before the upcoming election.