Despite Governor Bago’s visible engagement with Christian groups, including attending church programmes and making donations, Vatsa insisted that such gestures are not enough. “It’s not about attending church programmes, singing choruses or making donations. What matters is fairness and inclusion in appointments and elective positions,” he said. He emphasized that tangible representation in governance is what Christians expect and demand from the ruling party.
Vatsa maintained that selecting a Christian deputy governorship candidate in 2027 would be a crucial step toward restoring trust and balance within the party. He warned that if an opposition party chooses a Christian running mate, it could attract sympathy votes from the Christian community. “That is the only way people like us can confidently approach the Christian community to campaign for the party,” he added.
He also predicted that the 2027 elections would be largely determined by the credibility and perceived fairness of candidates, rather than party platforms or policies. As the APC prepares for the upcoming electoral cycle, Vatsa’s remarks underscore the importance of inclusive candidate selection to maintain broad-based support across religious lines in Niger State. The party’s ability to address these concerns may significantly influence its performance in the next governorship election.
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