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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, has resigned from the ruling party after 13 years of membership.
Vatsa communicated his decision in a letter dated October 18, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Gulu Anguwa-Gulu Vatsa Ward in Lapai Local Government Area.
A copy of the letter was made available to journalists in Minna on Sunday.
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The former commissioner said his decision was personal and followed consultations with his family, friends and political associates.
“I write to inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Niger State, with effect from Monday, 19th October, 2026,” he stated.
Vatsa thanked the party for giving him the opportunity to serve in various capacities during his 13 years as a member.
Credit: Channels TV
Before the merger that led to the formation of the APC in 2013, Vatsa was a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria. He later became the APC’s pioneer publicity secretary in Niger State and contributed to the party’s victory in the 2015 general elections.
In 2015, former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello appointed him Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism. However, a cabinet reshuffle in 2017 saw him removed from the position and subsequently appointed Coordinator of Public Communication.
In 2023, Governor Umaru Bago appointed Vatsa Special Adviser on Public-Private Partnership. He later served as Special Adviser on Media and Communication before reportedly leaving the administration in December.
Vatsa has remained a vocal critic of the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement at both presidential and governorship levels ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He has repeatedly called for religious balance in political leadership, warning that the arrangement could affect the APC’s electoral prospects.
The former commissioner has also opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement in Niger State, arguing that political appointments and elective positions should reflect the state’s religious diversity.
His resignation comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Vatsa did not disclose his next political move in the resignation letter.
