According to a report by The Sun on Friday, March 27, 2026, former commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has cautioned that pursuing a Muslims-Muslim ticket could be detrimental for the party in the 2027 elections.
Addressing journalists in Minna ahead of the APC national convention, he expressed concerns over the political calculations and the prevailing political climate, emphasizing that repeating the approach used in 2023 may no longer yield the desired outcome.
Vatsa highlighted that the Muslim-Muslim arrangement, which the party adopted in the last general election, no longer resonates with the northern electorate.
According to him, the majority of Muslims in the north have grown disillusioned with the setup, as it has failed to bring tangible improvements to their everyday lives.
He stressed that replicating the same strategy in 2027 could be counterproductive and may undermine the party’s chances at securing a successful outcome.
The former state publicity secretary noted that political dynamics in Nigeria have shifted significantly since 2023.
He pointed out that relying solely on religious balancing for electoral advantage is no longer sufficient, given the evolving expectations of voters across the country.
The APC, he argued, must carefully assess the sentiments of its base and the broader electorate before considering any similar ticket arrangement.
Vatsa also criticized defectors within the party, suggesting that many are more interested in securing a platform for the 2027 elections rather than genuinely committing to the party’s objectives.
He described this trend as a challenge to party unity, asserting that the dedication and sacrifices of long-standing members should not be overlooked in pursuit of short-term electoral gains.
He stressed that the loyalty and historical contributions of established members, who have invested years of effort in strengthening the party, are essential for maintaining its credibility and organizational coherence.
According to Vatsa, sidelining these members in favor of political opportunists could erode trust within the party and weaken its internal structures ahead of the general election.
Vatsa further warned that the party cannot assume electoral success even if it attracts high-profile figures.
He stated that having governors from all 36 states defect to the APC would not automatically translate into victory, nor would it guarantee the ability to manipulate election results.
He emphasized the importance of building a genuine support base rooted in performance and public trust rather than relying on political calculations alone.
He said, “Majority of the defectors are only looking for a platform to contest the 2027 elections, not that they are ready to work for the party the way some of us put our lives on the line and work for its emergence in 2015. If you like, let all the 36 states governors defect to APC, that does not guarantee you winning the election. It is also not an assurance that you can successfully rig an election. No.”
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