A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has warned that the party could face a difficult 2027 governorship contest if an opposition party fields a Muslim-Christian ticket.
Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, said the religious composition of the governorship ticket could become a major electoral factor in the state.
His warning came while reacting to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s appointment of six commissioners-designate, including three Christians.
Vatsa welcomed the appointments but said they fell short of addressing what he described as the marginalisation of Christians in the state.
According to him, the APC could be placed at a disadvantage if it retains a Muslim-Muslim governorship arrangement while an opposition party presents a Muslim-Christian ticket.
“If any opposition party decides to go ahead with a Muslim-Christian ticket, it might be tough for the party,” he warned.
Vatsa, a former APC publicity secretary in the state, has repeatedly opposed the proposed Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2027 governorship election.
He urged Bago to deepen Christian representation in key government positions if the governor proceeds with the arrangement.
He specifically called for Christians to be considered for the positions of Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff.
Vatsa also commended Bago for increasing the number of Christian commissioners from three to six, saying the move showed that concerns from the Christian community were being heard.
He, however, maintained that the appointments were not enough.
“The Christians deserve more representation in this government going by the population of Christians in the state,” he said.
The APC chieftain cited the administration of former Governor Babangida Aliyu as an example of what he described as greater religious balance in government.
He recalled that Aliyu’s administration had about seven Christian commissioners, while Christians also occupied the offices of SSG and Chief of Staff at different times.
“There was equity, justice and fairness,” Vatsa said.
He insisted that his criticism was not driven by personal ambition, saying he would continue to speak against what he considers unfair treatment even if it carries political consequences.
“I will remain in the party and continue to speak against marginalisation of any form,” he said.
Vatsa stressed that his demand was not for personal benefit but for what he described as equal representation and a stronger sense of belonging among Christians in the state.