Former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, alongside over 200 supporters.
Vatsa announced his defection on Wednesday at Gulu-Anguwa-Gulu Vatsa Ward in Lapai Local Government Area, barely two weeks after resigning from the APC over what he described as the party's betrayal of Nigerians' trust.
He was presented with SDP membership card number N10120100001 by the party's ward chairman, Adamu Mohammed Baba.
Addressing supporters, the former APC publicity secretary in the state called on residents to vote the ruling party out in 2027, accusing the administration of mismanaging public funds despite substantial federal allocations and loans.
Vatsa described the APC-led government as the worst since the return to democracy in 1999, alleging that it had little to show for the resources at its disposal.
"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.
He urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and prepare to vote against the APC in the next general election.
Vatsa said his decision to join the SDP was also influenced by his 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 confidence that his defection, alongside that of his supporters, would strengthen the SDP's grassroots presence and improve its chances of taking control of the state in 2027.
"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," he said.
The over 200 supporters were drawn from five wards in the Azza area: Evuti Pada, Ebbo Gbacheko, Muye Egba, Gupa Abuge and Gulu-Anguwa-Gulu Vatsa.
Some of them described Vatsa's departure from the APC as long overdue, accusing the party of failing Nigerians. They said they followed him to the SDP because of his longstanding relationship with them and his practice of carrying them along in political decisions.
Welcoming Vatsa, the SDP ward chairman described him as a "big fish" whose political experience and grassroots influence would benefit the party.
He expressed confidence that the SDP could take over the reins of power in Niger State in 2027.
The party's ward youth leader, Mallam Said Mohammed, also welcomed Vatsa and his supporters, expressing optimism about their contributions to the party.