2027 Polls : APC Chieftain Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has cautioned the party leadership against imposing candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could undermine the party’s chances at the polls.

Vatsa gave the warning while speaking with journalists in Minna on Friday, where he stressed the need for internal democracy to prevail within the ruling party.

He insisted that all aspirants must be given a fair and level playing field during the primaries, noting that any attempt to sideline the process could trigger internal divisions.

According to him, granting automatic tickets or adopting consensus arrangements without broad acceptance among party members could weaken the APC’s electoral strength.

The former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Niger State maintained that only a transparent and inclusive primary process would foster unity and ensure the emergence of credible candidates.

“Imposing unpopular candidates could trigger anti-party activities and create setbacks for the ruling party during the general elections,” he said.

Vatsa further warned that the opposition remains a formidable force capable of exploiting any internal crisis within the APC, stressing that party cohesion would be critical ahead of the polls.

He noted that allowing widely accepted candidates to emerge would reduce the burden of campaigning, while undemocratic processes could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s electoral fortunes.

On the security situation in the country, Vatsa described the rising wave of banditry as a negative reflection on the government, drawing parallels with developments that preceded the 2015 general elections.

He also cautioned that worsening insecurity and economic hardship could shape public perception of the current administration, adding that much of the criticism is being directed at President Bola Tinubu.